Rita Jo Altherr

Rita Jo Boehnlein Altherr left us peacefully on August 16, 2014 after a diagnosis of lung cancer two months ago. Her husband, Steve, and parents, William and Rosalind Boehnlein pre-decease her. She leaves to grieve her loss her two daughters, Sarah LaRue and Amy Altherr; 2 sisters, Bernadette Brenner (Francis) and Karen Myers (Ken VanHoozer); 2 nieces; a nephew and a great-nephew; along with a host of caring friends she made before her retirement as a teacher in Park Hill and at the Social Security Administration, where she was working when she became ill. In 2007, Rita was named Teacher of the Year by the Park Hill School District where she was a fountainhead of knowledge and always a source of inspiration to her students, their families, and fellow teachers. She leaves behind a rich harvest of memories to cherish, honor and emulate.

Rita was a strong person in her character, personality and presence. She touched many, as her nurturing character seemed to know who needed her most, and when she was most needed. Her generosity of spirit and kind nature will be missed by all who knew and loved her. But she would have wanted all of us to remember our happiest times with her—the silliness, the quiet times together. She will remain with us, in our hearts and in our spirits.

Service will be 10:00am, Wednesday, August 20, 2014 at White Chapel Funeral Home in Gladstone, MO. Interment will be at White Chapel Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00pm on Tuesday, at the funeral home.