Zelma Rittenhouse

Zelma D. (Barnum) Rittenhouse, 92, passed away on 8/16/2009 of congestive heart failure and complications of Alzheimers. Her two grandchildren, Kelli Lawson and Seth Rittenhouse were by her side, as well as dear friend and care provider, Charlene O'Neail. Her children, Donald, Bonnie, and David were thankfully able to speak with her and say goodbye over the phone. Zelma was born on 2/19/1917 to Seth Barnum and Lottie Phillips Barnum in Dawes County, NE. At age 6, her father took her to the Mayo Clinic due to medical concerns, where it was discovered that she had TB of the bone in her left knee. The subsequent operation was successful, however she had to wear a leg brace and use crutches until adulthood. Nevertheless, she was expected to do her share of household chores, even though that meant sitting on a stool to hang up wet clothes. Her one room schoolhouse was some distance away, so she rode her pony each school day to get there no matter the weather. After grade school, she attended Crawford High School in town, and then went on to graduate from Chadron State Teachers College. Always popular, she was elected Blue Key Sweetheart while there. This is also where she also met her future husband, Leon C. Rittenhouse. They were married on June 7, 1942 in the Methodist Church, although Zelma always considered herself a Congregationalist, the church she grew up in. Both were active church members throughout their lives. Shortly after the birth of their oldest son in Chadron, NE, the couple moved to Annapolis, MD where Leon was in the Naval Academy. A daughter was born at the Naval Base in Pensacola, FL several years later. Their third child, a son, was born in Chadron, NE two years after that. The family later moved to Denver, CO, but made frequent visits to both Leon's farm in Lewellen, NE and to Zelma's family farm in Crawford, NE, where they visited their many family members. Zelma was a highly regarded math teacher for 17 years in the Denver Public Schools. She was also a counselor at Kepner Jr. High School., which was her favorite position. Zelma and Leon were separated in 1989, and divorced in 1991. They remained in contact however until Leon passed away in March, 2007. Throughout her life, Zelma was valued as a wonderful parent and friend. All who met her loved her optimistic outlook and ever present sense of humor. She will be greatly missed by a multitude of people. Graveside services will be on 8/22/2009 at Crawford, NE. A Memorial Service will be on Monday, 8/24/2009, at the Cherry Creek Retirement Village, Aurora, CO. Zelma was preceded in death by her parents, Seth and Lottie Barnum; her brothers, Darold and Warren Barnum; her sisters-in-law, Margie Barnum, Enid Boggs, and Zella Nash; her brothers-in-law, Evan Rittenhouse, Try Rittenhouse, Dallas Rittenhouse, and Eldon Drown. Those who survive her are her children, Donald (Suzanne) Rittenhouse, Bonnie (Richard) Skidmore, and David Rittenhouse; her grandchildren, Kelli (William) Lawson, and Seth Rittenhouse; sisters-in-law, Genilia Drown, Ruby Rittenhouse, Georgia Rittenhouse, and Edith Rittenhouse; and brother-in-law Merle Rittenhouse, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to the Alzheimer's Association.