COLUMBUS
Ann Rittenhouse Mickel, age 87, went to be with our Heavenly Father on Saturday, July 16, 2022. Ann was born June 11, 1935, in Akron, IN. She was the daughter of James and Rennie Rittenhouse. Both parents as well as siblings, Freeman Rittenhouse and Dixie Hoadley, are deceased. Ann is survived by her husband Joseph and five children: Joseph Lee of Ocala, FL, Annette Kleinhenz (Larry) of Columbus, Hugh of Columbus, Linda Reeves of Columbus, and Edward (Kathy) of Indianapolis, along with 27 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren.
Ann grew up in Elkhart, IN and graduated from Elkhart High School where she enjoyed playing the French horn in the Elkhart High School Band, earning a first place award in the Indiana State music competition. After high school, she attended Compton College in CA then Purdue University in West Lafayette where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology/Psychology. She met her future husband, Joseph, a mechanical engineering student at Purdue. After their marriage in 1958 they traveled to San Diego, CA while he served in the U.S. Navy. While he was at sea, she worked for the San Diego Juvenile Detention Center for Girls.
In 1960, she moved to Columbus with her husband and briefly worked for the Bartholomew County Welfare Department while raising five children. She was an active member of Asbury United Methodist Church and served in a number of volunteer positions at church and in the community over the next six decades. However, her most cherished work was raising children.
Her family meant everything to her. She loved when the grandchildren and great-grandchildren visited as she showered them with hugs, treats and advice while enjoying updates about their activities. They brought her so much joy and they will miss “Grandmother”.
A family celebration of life service will be conducted Saturday, July 23, 2022, at Asbury United Methodist Church with Pastor Nick Robinson officiating.
Inurnment will be at the Asbury Church Columbarium.
Arrangements by Barkes, Weaver &Glick Funeral Home.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family and a video tribute may be viewed at barkesweaverglick.com
