Beverly Billie Rittenhouse

Beverly “Billie” Bower Rittenhouse, 91, formerly of Evansville, passed away Thursday, November 4, 2010. She was born September 23, 1919, in Inglefield, IN to John and Eunice Bower, the fourth of five daughters.

She graduated from Reitz High School in 1937, attended Indiana University and completed her studies in 1940 at Lockyear Business College. She married Morgan “Dutch” Rittenhouse in June of 1945. She met Dutch when she worked at the Evansville Shipyard from 1941 to 1945.

Billie was an active member of Trinity United Methodist Church until her move to Florida in 2007. Trinity was a large part of her life and her love for her church was apparent to all who knew her. She served as a board member, in various capacities for the women’s circle and she taught Sunday school for 25 years. During her life she was an active volunteer ranging from the PTA when her children where young to Meals on Wheels in her later years. She was also a member of the women’s philanthropic educational organization P.E.O. International where she also served in various offices. Billie’s loving and giving nature have touched all who have known her. She was also an active member of both the Evansville Country Club and the Kennel Club until 2007.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Morgan “Dutch” Rittenhouse; and her four sisters, Dallas Bower Suhrheinrich, Anne Bower Hartley, Bette Bower and Rosemary Bower Montgomery.

Billie is survived by her three children, James (Betty) Rittenhouse of Evansville, Kathy (John) Compton of Bonita Springs, FL and Ann Lee (Giorgi) Lemis of Houston, TX; seven grandchildren, Jennifer (Gregg) Kissel of St. Wendel, Christine Gries of Newburgh, Betsy (Dale Engman) Cook of St. Paul, MN, Meg Cook of Chicago, IL, Will Cook of Chicago, IL, Anne Marie Lemis of Orlando, FL and Morgan Lemis of Tallahasse, FL; four great-grandchildren, Carden Kissel, Cael Cookman, Kira and Kendall Shanks; two nieces, Nancy Hartley Gaunt, Jan Hartley Ryder; and one nephew, John Hartley.

Services will be 9:30 AM Tuesday, November 16, 2010, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 216 SE Third Street, officiated by Rev. Allen Amstutz with entombment in Alexander Memorial Park. Friends may visit Monday from 3:00 to 8:00 PM at Alexander East Chapel, 2115 Lincoln Avenue.

Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church or The Alzheimer’s Association.