Helen Rittberger

Helen T. Rittberger was born Oct. 28, 1918, near Quinn, S.D., to John and Emma (Peterson) Guethlein. She graduated from Quinn High School in 1936 and from Spearfish (S.D.) Normal College in 1941.

Helen taught school at Clough, S.D., and lived with Charlie and Bertha Hild. She met her husband, John, through his sister, Bertha Hild. John and Helen were married June 9, 1942.

They made their home on the ranch that was homesteaded by John's parents.

 Helen was a founding member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Hermosa, S.D., and a member of Battle River No. 142 Order of Eastern Star. Her interests were family, baking, gardening, traveling, participating in the Custer County Fair and serving in the church.

Helen died peacefully in her sleep Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2009, in Denver, Colo., while visiting family. She was 91.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John; her parents; and two sisters, Marjorie Willuweit and Dorothy Burch.

Survivors include two daughters, Bonnie (Richard) Miller of Hermosa, and Betty (Clark) Yost of  Wilmore, Kan.; three sons, Fred (Mary), and Bob Rittberger, both of Hermosa, and John (Linda) Rittberger of Fairburn, S.D.; two sisters, Maxine Smith of Owanka, S.D., and Frances Poste of Wall, S.D.; one brother, John Guethlein of North Platte, Neb.; 11 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were Jan. 5 at Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis, S.D., with Pastor Bill Savery officiating. Burial followed at Highland Park Cemetery in Hermosa. Following burial a time of fellowship and food was held at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Hermosa.

A memorial has been established and the funds will be distributed among Helen's favorite charities.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.kinkadefunerals.com.