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Ethel "Rita" (Barber) Sturtevant, 91, of Evansville, passed away on Friday, May 3, 2013, at Bethel Manor Nursing Home. She was born on March 17, 1922, in Evansville, to the late William and Cecilia Barber
Rita graduated from Reitz High School in 1942. After graduation from Reitz, she worked at Mead Johnson until her marriage. On July 27, 1945, she married Earl M. Sturtevant. She lived a very happy life with Earl until his death on July 11, 1997. Her only child, Jim Sturtevant, retired in 1999 and has taken care of her since 1997.
Besides her son, Rita is survived by her nieces, Jean Mahurin, Carolyn Wagoner and Gale Bowen; nephews, Bernie Head and Donald Barber; and great-nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her brother, William "Bill" Barber; and sister, Marie Halter.
Rita was very active with her husband in various veteran organizations. She was a member of VFW 1114 Auxiliary and she had participated in the VFW Ladies Auxiliary Drill Team. She was Commander of the James Bethel Gresham DAV for eight years. In later years, she became a member of the West Side Optimist Club. Rita was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Evansville.
Services will be 10:30 AM Tuesday, May 7, 2013, at Alexander West Chapel, officiated by Rev. Martin Noland, with burial in Lutheran Cemetery. Friends may visit Monday from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the funeral home.
The family wishes to give special thanks to Heritage Hospice and Bethel Manor for their help and comfort.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, 1000 West Illinois Street, Evansville, IN 47710. Condolences may be made online at www.AlexanderWestChapel.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
May 19, 2013
John Wilmes
Jim
I am so sorry for your loss, I just now read the e-mail Suzanne Head sent me.
I never knew or met your mother but several years ago I tracked her down as being part of John and Margaret Wilmes's family ( my great grandfather Henry, was a brother to John. My great grandmother Emma was a sister to Margaret. Henry moved to Missouri many years ago) I mailed Rita a letter and she sent me information on my great grandmother Emma Axe Wilmes's family that I never knew which lead me to more information and getting in contact with Suzanne and Bernard Head.
Once again I am so sorry for your loss.
John Wilmes
May 7, 2013
Jim. So sorry for your loss. We send prayers for comfort in this difficult time. Linda and Larry Bennett
May 6, 2013
We have known Rita many years. Jim her dear son was my husbands roommate at Indiana State College. He was also ouir best man in our wedding In June of 1978. We had very good times when we would visit them and they would come to see us. She will be greatly missed. She always had a smile. Our prayers are with Jim & family.
Jerry,Wendy,Nicole,Chris&Erica Harnung
May 5, 2013
John Robert Gauer
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Alexander Funeral Home-West Chapel2100 West Illinois Street, Evansville, IN 47712
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