Mildred J. "Midge" Rittman

Mildred J. “Midge” Rittman went to her eternal home on December 14, 2023, surrounded by her family. She was so excited to be celebrating her 100th birthday with family and friends on January 8th. She lived 99 years, 11 months, 6 days. She was born on January 8, 1924, in Bedford, IN. to the late Daniel and Mary Jane Smith. She spent her childhood in Pendleton, IN. After graduating from high school, she then married the love of her life the late Ray Rittman in a double wedding ceremony on June 6, 1942, before Ray went to serve his country in WWII.
On Ray's return from the war, they lived in Markleville, IN, where Ray was a principal, and then moved to Munster, IN. Midge worked as the secretary at Frank Hammond Elementary School. Ray and Midge enjoyed the school activities and working with the kids. They moved to the family farm in Anderson, IN on their retirement. Midge and Ray spent over 30 years wintering in Lake Placid, Florida where she enjoyed singing in the Methodist Church choir.
When she was living in Indiana she was a member of the Eastern Star, Saturday Club, and Joy Choir at First United Methodist Church in Pendleton, IN. In her later years, she had many opportunities to tutor children and International students. It was important to Midge that every child get an education and “use their brains”. Midge loved to spend time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Surviving are her loving daughters Jane (Kenneth) Pierson and Jill (Steve) Richardson; precious grandchildren, Anthony( Pam) Candiano, Christine (JJ) Sutton, Nicole Richardson, Tiffany Richardson, and Susan (Tom) Lewers; great-grandchildren, Matthew (Jen) Candiano, Aaron Candiano, Luke Candiano, Jaden Dixon, Ava Sutton, Bo Sutton, Jaxon Jeanette, Jacob Jeanette, Logan Lehman, Phillip Lewers, and Rachel Lewers; and many nieces and nephews.
Midge was preceded in death by her loving husband Ray of 77 years; both parents; granddaughter, Lisa Candiano; brothers, Earl, Roy, Fred, and Bill Smith; and Sisters, Evelyn Reddin and Norma Crull.
Visitation will be held on December 26, 2023, from 4-7 pm and 10-11 am on December 27, 2023.
Funeral services will be on December 27, 2023, at 11 am, with Pastor John Grove officiating. Both visitation and funeral services are at Loose Funeral Home & Crematory, 200 W. 53 St. Anderson, IN. Donations can be made to the Pendleton Historical Museum, P.O. box 345, Pendleton, IN 46064.