t is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Vera "Patty" Rittenhouse, who went home to be with the Lord on April 13, 2025, surrounded by her loving family, at the age of 66.
Born on September 17, 1958, in Easton, MD, she was the youngest daughter of the late Oma Ophelia Cook and Joseph Kirby Eggers. Patty's life was a testament to faith, love, and service, beginning in her formative years in Caroline County, where she attended North Caroline High and Chesapeake Christian Academy.
In a union ordained by faith, she met and married her husband, Daniel "Danny" Rittenhouse Sr., in a joyous ceremony on December 6, 1975. Together, they raised five children and took in numerous foster children. They planted and pastored many churches, across several states. She loved to lead worship with her children in a family band.
Patty embraced her early roles as a pastor's wife, homemaker and mother. She cherished those roles. She also cherished her later roles in life as a nurse, grandmother and great-grandmother. She even helped raise some of her grandchildren.
A woman of many talents, Patty found joy in crafting, cooking and baking. She loved to craft hats, wreaths, Christmas ornaments and other things, with her children. She also enjoyed cooking and baking for and with them. She could fix anything and was a handy woman.
Patty was a lifelong churchgoer, raising her children that way. Her children also lovingly remember her as a firecracker, referring to her as “one tough cookie.” She fiercely protected her babies. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends and all who knew her.
In addition to her parents, Patty is predeceased by two of her brothers.
She is survived by her husband, Daniel Rittenhouse Sr., as well as her five children; Rachel Gross, Daniel Rittenhouse Jr., Joshua Rittenhouse, Deborah Dunn, Jeremy Rittenhouse, and their spouses. She is also survived by seventeen grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, two sisters, two brothers, step-siblings and countless nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
A funeral service will be held at Fleegle & Helfenbein Funeral Home in Greensboro, MD on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at 1 PM, with a visitation 1 hour prior and burial to follow at Ridgley Cemetery.
In place of flowers, the family asks that you kindly consider making contributions for services through Fleegle and Helfenbein Funeral Home.
