Obituary

Jane Florence Rittgers, 81

Jane Florence Rittgers died July 26, 1999. She was born May 17, 1918, in Woodbine, Kansas, the youngest daughter of Florence and Herman Koepsel.

Jane moved from Kansas to Colorado in March, 1931, with her parents. She spent most of her life in the Eads area, working as a cook in the Eads school cafeteria and at various restaurants. During World War II, Jane worked at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal in Denver.

Jane was a loving mother and homemaker. She enjoyed her hobbies of crocheting, card playing, fishing, visiting and doing various other activities with her friends and family. The last three years of Jane=s life were spent in Weisbrod Memorial Nursing Home, where she continued to make friends and brighten other people=s day with her warm, friendly smile.

Jane Florence Rittgers was preceded in death by her husband, Reuben Rittgers in 1974, her parents and three brothers, Emmanuel, Dennis and Milton. Milton lost his life while serving his country in World War II.

Jane is survived by her children, Lucille (LaVerne) Burkhamer of Richland Center, Wisconsin, and Leslie (Kathryn) Rittgers of Eads; eight grandchildren, Rickey (Marsha) Burkhamer, Nancy (Mike) Thomas, Diane (Loren) Cook, Jennifer Rittgers, Becky Rittgers, Robert (Jackie) Rittgers, and Leroy Rittgers (finance Shanna Wyckoff); 14 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild; a sister, Mildred (Mike) Kasza of Eads; and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Funeral services for Jane Florence Rittgers were held Friday, July 30, 1999, at the Eads United Methodist Church with Rev. John Nadasi officiating. Philomene Liesen and Charlotte Woelk played the organ and piano, with Sylvia Weeks and Mary Eikner singing AIn the Garden@ and AThe old Rugged Cross.@ Serving as casket bearers were Thomas Burkhamer, Rickey Burkhamer, Robert Rittgers, Leroy Rittgers, Mitch Finney and Gary Finney. Honorary casket bearers were Ray Crow, George Crow, Richard Berger, Robert Miller, Gordon Finney and Harold Stinson. Final committal services were held at the Eads Cemetery. Following the service, a dinner was hosted for the family at the Methodist Church by the ladies of the community.

Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Brown Funeral Home.