Darlene M. Ritterbusch
Darlene M. Ritterbusch, age 89, passed away on Sunday, October 13, 2013 in her home. Darlene was born October 25, 1923 in Clayton, IL a daughter of Ralph and Venia (Zeiger) Vollbracht. On July 14, 1942 in Palmyra, MO she married Harold Ritterbusch. He was her loving husband for 71 years. He survives.
Darlene was a 1941 graduate of Clayton High School. She worked as a homemaker, childcare provider, and retired from Pam Printers in 1983 after 15 years.
She was a devoted Catholic, and a member of the Church of St. Peter. She prayed daily for each one of her beloved family and was a beautiful wife, mother, sister and grandmother. She faithfully remembered to send cards for every occasion, and she baked their favorite treats for the joy of making them happy. Darlene taught her children not to be wasteful, and the importance of family and friends.
In addition to her husband Harold, survivors include her six children; Joan Haubrich and her husband Joe of Quincy; Jim Ritterbusch and his wife Joyce of Galena, IL; Jeanne Thomas and her husband Roger; Jerry Ritterbusch and his wife Lisa; Joseph Ritterbusch and his wife Tammy all of Quincy; and Juliene Lemon and her husband Terry of Cedar Rapids, IA. 18 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren; a sister, Marjorie Moore of Quincy, three sisters-in-law, Sister Kevin Ritterbusch and Lorraine Hamrick, both of Springfield, IL and Lena “Nubie” Vollbracht of Quincy; nieces, nephews, a dear family friend, Sherry Ritterbusch, and many wonderful friends, caregivers and neighbors of Curtis Creek Road also survive.
She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, Verle, Dale and Glenn Vollbracht and a sister, Vivian Easley.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 17, 2013 at 12:30 p.m. in the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home with a Mass of Christian Burial at 1:00 p.m. in the Church of St. Peter conducted by Monsignor Leo Enlow. Interment will be in Quincy Memorial Park. Visitation will be Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. at Duker & Haugh. Memorials are suggested to the Villa Angela Home for Girls in Springfield, IL or to the Church of St. Peter in lieu of flowers.
Dear Ritterbusch Family.
Darlene has been a grandparent to my son when he never had one. She cherished her family and children and opened her heart and love to mine. Nathan will be looking for her and once again she will be there to share her gift of love and faith. My heart breaks for you all. God Bless you and stand by you during this time. With much love Patty and family.
Our deepest condolences to your family. Enjoyed our visits in your home. Darlene was easy to know and enjoy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this trying time.
Jack & Betty Anderson
My deepest condolences to all. Aunt Darlene was a wonderful lady, always with that beautiful and comforting smile. She was quick to give hugs and loved talking about her children and grandchildren (and we loved hearing about everyone!). It was always a pleasure to spend time with her. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. Much love, Kathy and John Chepulis
To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die…..
May Darlene shine brightly in your hearts until you meet again. Prayers to you all
Ritterbusch Family, I was only blessed to meet your dear mother one time, but I was certainly blessed. It is never easy to lose a parent, no matter their age nor infirmities. They are the people we first get to know and have known the longest. They have always been there for us with their love & support. It is difficult, at best, to imagine life without them. We are blessed to have them the time we do, but their receiving of their reward is something we can truly rejoice in. My thoughts & prayers are with you all.
Sending our sympathy for you loss. Tom and Marsha Taylor
Julie, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family upon the loss of your mother. She was a beautiful, loving person. I know she will be missed by the memories are innumerable
So sorry for your loss. I am the oldest daughter of the late Raymond Easley and Joyce Easley. Her sister Vivian was my ex-Aunt. But always thought of her as my Aunt.