Robert H. Rittenberry

Robert H. Rittenberry, died March 25, 2012, the morning of his 93rd birthday at his residence in Bucyrus.

He was born in Putnam County, Tenn. to the late Monroe Rittenberry and Sarah (Denson) Smith Rittenberry Tosh. He served in the US Army during WWII and, in 1949, he moved to Bucyrus to work at Swan in the shipping department and as a truck driver until retiring in 1968.

Robert was a man with a heart of gold, as he loved helping others. He enjoyed being outside, whether working in his garden, walking, or collecting items for scrap, the outdoor air made him happy. Robert also looked forward to down-time where he could relax with his Shoe Peg Tobacco, watch some big time wrestling and, occasionally enjoy a Milwaukee's Best Light beer.

In addition to his parents, Robert is preceded in death by his two spouses, Cora Jewell (Grogan) Rittenberry and Barbara Jean (Pauley) Rittenberry; two sons, James Rittenberry and Walter Rittenberry and two daughters, Christine Shope and Charlene Shope.

He is survived by five children, Betty (Virgil) Evans of Bucyrus, Freda Meade of Nashville, Tenn., Shirley (Alan Haffa) Witten of Nevada, Gertis (Pam Lohr-Barker) Rittenberry of Bucyrus and Deb (Handford) Thoroughman of Garrison, KY.; two step-children, Janet (Jack) Lykins of Bucyrus and Jeanne (Dale) Cohenour of West Virginia.; 25 grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; one half brother, Harold A. Tosh of Bucyrus and former sons-in-law, Earl Shope of Bucyrus and Carl Shope of Nevada.

Friends may call from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, March 28 at Wise Funeral Service, where his funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery with full military rites being provided by both the U.S. Army and Am. Legion Honor Guards. Memorial contributions may be given to a charity of the donor's choice through the funeral home.



Visitation:

Wednesday, March 28, 2012 2-4 & 6-8 p.m.

Wise Funeral Service, 129 W. Warren St., Bucyrus, Ohio 44820



Service:

Thursday, March 29, 2012 11:00 a.m.

Wise Funeral Service, 129 W. Warren St., Bucyrus, Ohio 44820



Cemetery:

Oakwood Cemetery, 835 Kaler Ave., Bucyrus, Ohio 44820