Dorothy Laura Fisher Rittenhouse, 88, of North Mulberry Street, Lancaster, passed away at her residence on Saturday, July 11, 2015.
She was born in Lampeter, PA to the late Harry McLaughlin and Laura E. Landis Fisher on July 10, 1927.
She graduated from Lampeter High School in 1944, and while attending, she managed the school cafeteria her senior year.
She married Harold Rittenhouse on August 14, 1946, in Bel Air, MD.Harold preceded Dorothy in death.They would have celebrated 69 years of marriage this coming August.
After Harold's life-threatening car accident, Dorothy took on babysitting and later, worked at Hess's Department Store, Willow Valley Restaurant, Orange Julius, Kelly Katering, Andy's Catering, and Aunt Laura's Lemonade.
Dorothy was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in various church positions.She loved working with little children and serving those in need.
Dorothy loved her family.She was well known for her Sunday dinners, with her huge growing family, often feeding more than 30 children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.More than anything in life, she loved being with her family even traveling long distances to be with them.
Dorothy was a kind, and loving wife, to her husband.After Harold's stroke she faithfully provided his daily care for over ten years. Often neighbors would see her pushing Harold around the block in his wheelchair.
Dorothy is survived by 6 children, Laura R. (Daniel) Knarr of Lancaster, Judith A. (Dennis) Boyd of Lancaster, Diane M. Mack of Blue Springs, MO, Deborah R. (Timothy) McHugh of Safford, AZ, Melinda R. (Buckley) Condie of Hockessin, DE, and Harold Thaddeus (Carolyn S.) Rittenhouse, Jr. of Lancaster; 27 grandchildren; 53 great grandchildren; and her brother, Harold Fisher.
Dorothy was preceded in death by an infant daughter Karen Lynn, a granddaughter Kristin Mack, a sister Harriet Benedict, and two brothers, Charles Fisher and Paul Fisher.
Dorothy was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.She was deeply loved by her family and will be greatly missed by all.
Funeral services will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1200 East King Street, Lancaster, PA on Saturday, July 18, 2015 at 2:30 PM.Interment will follow in Quarryville Cemetery.A viewing will be held at the church from 1:00 until the time of service. Kindly omit flowers. Arrangements entrusted to Reynolds Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc., Quarryville, PA.To send an online note of condolence or to sign the guestbook, please visit our website at reynoldsfuneralhome.net.