Rita Mae (Vanevenhoven) Ribarchek

Rita Mae Ribarchek, age 84, of Wrightstown, passed away Tuesday, October 20, 2015. She was born to Walter and Elsie (Zastrow) Vanevenhoven in Kaukauna. Rita and Bernard Ribarchek were united in marriage in 1950, and they would have celebrated 65 years this November. Her caring demeanor and unselfishness began at a young age caring for her siblings and continued to provide heartfelt care and for special needs daughter. She dedicated many years as a fourth grade teacher at St. Paul School and continued providing daycare and unconditional love to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She found tranquility and peace through reading and flower gardening. Survivors include her husband, Bernard; children: the late Tom (Kathy) and their daughter Courtney, Diane Ribarchek, Lynn (Joe) Kussow, Connie (Dan) Fritsch; grandchildren: Kerri (Al) Ruhland and their children: Ryan, Megan and Becky, Rebecca (Mike) Pennenberg and their children Raelia, Noah and Isaiah, Andrea Kussow, Adam (Tammy) Kussow and their children Mason and Mercedes, Alicia (Bryan) Bushey and their children Kierra and Kyla, Justin Fritsch and children Kyrie and Brylee, Erica (Ryan Buechel) Fritsch; three siblings: Kieth (Jean) Vanevenhoven, Mary (Bob) Kersten and Carol (Randy) Siewert. She is also survived by Bernard’s family, nieces and nephews. Private family services were held. Burial at St. Paul Cemetery, Wrightstown. Cotter Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the family. Our family would like to extend a warm thank you to Matthews of Wrightstown for their care in the short time Rita was with them, and for their continued care of our family.