Elisabeth Teva Rittenhouse

Teva had a lifelong love of travel, the arts, and social justice. She had a deep love for her family. She worked as a teacher and realtor, serving with Alexandria and Hanover County Schools and Dew Real Estate during her professional career.

She received her undergraduate degree from Randolph-Macon Woman’s College and later earned her Master of Education degree from Virginia Commonwealth University. Teva’s passion for history, culture, and the arts led her to serve as a docent for the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. She also generously volunteered with Meals on Wheels and the Ashland Visitor Center.

Deeply involved in the Ashland community, Teva was an active member of the Ashland Garden Club and the Women’s Club of Ashland. Her faith was an important part of her life, and she faithfully served as a member of St. James the Less Episcopal Church, including the church’s Altar Guild, for more than 50 years.

Teva will be remembered for her gracious spirit, dedication to service, and love for her family, friends, church, and community. Her family fondly remembers her strength of purpose, her green thumb, and her love of good food, especially sweets. Her warmth, wisdom, and generosity touched many lives and will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her loving daughters, Wendy Moore Ward (Mark Ward), Carolyn Moore Lindau (Jay Lindau), and Kirsten Moore McClure (Alex McClure); cherished grandchildren, Gavin McClure, Leah McClure, Travis Ward, Nathan Ward, Ryan Dowling, and Mackenzie Dowling Gaskill.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at St. James the Less Episcopal Church, 125 Beverly Rd., Ashland, VA., on Saturday, August 1st, 2026, at 1 PM.