Mary Rittenberry

Mary Ann Rittenberry, 73, of Mansfield, died Tuesday evening, November 4, 2014 at Shelby Pointe Nursing Home. She was born April 1, 1941, in Shelbyville, Tennessee, to the late Mattie Ann (Sanders) and Charles Gilbert Smith.

She graduated as valedictorian from Central High School in Shelbyville, Tennessee. Mary Ann learned the family trait of generosity well and would give the shirt off her back to anyone in need. Mary Ann was very patriotic and dedicated to the local veterans having had two children serve in the Army and Marines. She ended her working years at WalMart after spending numerous years at the Elms and V.F.W. In her spare time, she enjoyed collecting owls, having amassed over 1000 throughout the years. She was a dog lover and doted on her dogs, Oscar and Bo, and was an avid gardener as well.

She is survived by a son, Louis Rittenberry of Shelby; four grandchildren, Brittany, Holly, Aaron and Brian; and many nieces and nephews, especially Vickie and Laura. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Ross Allen Rittenberry of Mansfield and a brother, Larry Smith of Tennessee.

The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Friday, November 7, 2014 in the Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 98 S. Diamond St., Mansfield. The funeral service will be held Saturday at 2:00 p.m. in the funeral home. Burial will be in Mansfield Cemetery.