Patsy (Walgamuth) Rittenhouse

Patsy Rittenhouse, 83, Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away at 4:00 a.m. on February 11, 2020 at Apple Ridge Assisted Living, Fort Wayne. One of four children, Patsy was born on April 22, 1936 in North Manchester, Indiana, to Millard R. and Mildred M. (Brandenburg) Walgamuth.

After graduating from Chester High School in 1954, Patsy married Lt. James Geist. In 1957 James was killed in a military flying accident. By God’s grace Patsy found her soulmate, James “Jim” Rittenhouse, and married him on November 25, 1959. Patsy was Jim’s sweetheart and centered him. During their sixty years together, Patsy worked for New Haven Middle School for twenty-six years before retiring in 1998. Together they were members of the United Methodist Church in New Haven, Indiana. Patsy was a loving, caring wife and mother. Sometimes over protective, Patsy's family meant the world to her, and she wanted to keep them safe. After losing her son, James Geist in an accident and later her daughter-in-law, Patsy opened her heart and home and became a surrogate parent for her grandchildren. Examples of this type of generosity and kindness could be seen many times over the span of Patsy’s life.

The loving memory of Patsy Rittenhouse will be cherished by her husband, James “Jim” Rittenhouse, Fort Wayne, Indiana; son, Michael (Cathy) Rittenhouse, Greenwood, Indiana; brother, Robert “Bob” (Bernadine) Walgamuth; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Patsy was preceded in death by her parents; first husband, James Geist; son, James Geist; and two sisters, Violet Betten and Doris Newman.

Family and friends may call Friday, February 14, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the New Haven United Methodist Church, 630 Lincoln Highway E, New Haven, Indiana. Funeral services will begin at the conclusion of calling. A graveside service will be held Saturday, February 15, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. at Oaklawn Cemetery, 600 Beckley Street, North Manchester, Indiana. Chaplain Mark Perkins will officiate.

For those who wish to honor the memory of Patsy Rittenhouse, memorial contributions may be make to Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, Ohio or Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675.

Arrangements are entrusted to McKee Mortuary.