Elizabeth Rickabaugh Pittenger

By | July 14, 2012

Elizabeth Rickabaugh Pittenger, 94, of Wellston, died at her home on Thursday, July 12, 2012.

Born in Jackson, Ohio on December 19, 1917, she was a daughter of the late William C. and Jessie Bell Woods Rickabaugh. She was preceded in death by her husband, Arden Pittenger in 1976; a sister, Dorothy; four brothers, Lewis, Richard, William Jr., and Harold; and a grandson, Edward Falencki III.

Elizabeth grew up in Coalton, Ohio and, after graduating from Coalton High School in 1938, she was employed by the Hercules Pants Factory in Wellston. During World War II, she worked as an ammunition inspector at the National Fireworks Plant at Chillicothe.

On July 25, 1945 she and Arden Pittenger were married and, together, they raised four children. She was an avid bowler, taking home the Wellston Women’s Bowling Association trophy for high (handicapped) series for the 1973-1974 season. She continued to bowl until the age of 92. She was a member of the Hope United Methodist Church and, during her children’s high school years, actively supported the Wellston High School Athletic and Band Booster organizations.

Surviving are two sons, Donald Pittenger (Jane) of Reston, Virginia and Dean Pittenger (Pamela) of Wellston; two daughters, Ann Lomax (Francis) of San Antonio, Texas and Catherine Falencki (Edward) of Louisville, Kentucky; seven grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren, three step-grandchildren and three step-great-grandchildren.

Calling hours will be Sunday from 3 to 7 p.m. at the McWilliams Funeral Home in Wellston. The funeral service will be Monday at 11 a.m. at the McWilliams Funeral Home with Pastor Brian Vinson officiating. Burial will follow in the Ridgewood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Hope United Methodist Church, 217 East First Street, Wellston, Ohio 45692. Online condolences can be sent to mcwilliams-funeralhome.com