Ms. Rita Josephine Huntzinger

Rita Josephine Huntzinger (Freudenstein), age 88, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, October 16, 2017. She was preceded in death by her parents, Josephine & David Freudenstein; sister, Carol Powers; and her husband of 65 years, Ronald Huntzinger, who passed away in June. She is survived by their five children, Rosalie (Ralph) Della Ratta, Jeffrey (Patty) Huntzinger, David Huntzinger, JoEllen (Charlie) Merrill, and Dan (Vanessa) Huntzinger; sister, Sue (Russell) Lineberry; eight grandchildren, Renee Della Ratta, Patrick Della Ratta, Kelly Huntzinger, Jody (Callahan) Wilson, Brock (Cait) Huntzinger, Brady Huntzinger, Ryan Merrill, and Regan Merrill; six great grandchildren; and 15 nieces & nephews. Rita was born in North Vernon and lived most of her childhood in Versailles before moving to Pendleton, where she graduated from Pendleton High School. She then attended Indiana Business College and subsequently worked in book keeping at Delco Remy in Anderson. Rita was dedicated 100% to being a wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, friend, and St. Ambrose parishioner. Over the years she was also a member of the Lapel PTA, Study Club, St. Ambrose Altar & Rosary Society, Sigma Phi Gamma Sorority, Lapel Lady Lions, was a Cub Scouts den mother, and a loyal fan of whatever sports or activities her children were involved in. That interest continued with her grandchildren and all of their endeavors, including soccer, hockey, baseball, basketball, swimming and musical performances. She enjoyed playing with the Duo Bridge Club for several years and traveling with Ronald around the U.S. and Europe. Being loyal fans of the Cincinnati Reds and Purdue Boilermakers, they attended many of their home games for several years. She was also a very good euchre player, and whomever was her partner could be confident of dominating the opponent. The family would like to express their gratitude to Rita’s dedicated caregivers, especially Bridget, Rachel, and Karen. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, October 21, at St. Ambrose Catholic Church with Msgr. Robert Sell III officiating. Followed by burial at Anderson Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, October 20, at Brown-Butz-Diedring Funeral Service & Crematory. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Ambrose Church, the American Heart Association, or the American Cancer Society.