Rita L. Bettinger

Rita L. Bettinger, age 90, of St. Henry, died Wednesday, January 24, 2018 at The Gardens at St. Henry.  She was born April 3, 1927, in Ft. Jennings, Ohio, to the late Joseph & Theresa (Bensman) Schlueter.  On May 1, 1954, in Celina, she married Herman “Bud” Bettinger, and he died May 30, 1999.  Rita is survived by two daughters and their husbands, Nancy & Larry Topp of New Bremen, and Gloria & Patrick Hemmelgarn of St. Henry, eight grandchildren: Chad Topp, Heather Borchers, Brooks Topp, Cody Topp, Noeí Zimmerman, Anna Post, Klint Hemmelgarn, and Dwayne Hemmelgarn, 16 great grandchildren, and in laws: Carl & Ruth Bettinger of Coldwater, Grace Rutschilling of Coldwater, Margie Griesdorn of St. Rose, Barb Bettinger of Coldwater, and Marlene Bettinger of Coldwater.

Rita is preceded in death by siblings, Vincent & Leona Schlueter, and Mary & Rudy Link, and in laws: Clarina & Seraphim Lefeld, Lucille & Bob Bergman, Mary Ellen Bettinger, Paul & Angie Bettinger, William Bettinger, Clete & Norma Bettinger, Bob Bettinger, Lavern Bettinger, Clete Griesdorn, and Paul Rutschilling.

She was a member of St. Henry Catholic Church, and the Altar Rosary Sodality. Rita was a dedicated farm wife, and took great pride in her garden and cooking and canning for her family.  She will be remembered as an avid Cubs fan and loved spending time with her grandchildren and family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday, January 29, 2018 at St. Henry Catholic Church. Burial will follow in St. Henry Cemetery.  Friends may call from 1:00 to 5:00 PM on Sunday, January 28, and from 9:00 to 10:00 AM on Monday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, St. Henry.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Activity Fund at the Gardens at St. Henry.  Condolences may be left at hogenkampfh.com.