Jennifer Ann Rittenour

Jennifer Ann Rittenour, 60, passed peacefully on Sunday, Dec. 5, 2010 in Kindred Hospital in Fort Worth. A joyful memorial to celebrate a life well lived will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Stephenville on Thursday, December 9, 2010 at 4:00 p.m. Jennifer was born on October 22, 1950 in Portland, Oregon. She married Richard Denning, on October 12, 1982. Jennifer enjoyed numerous careers in her vibrant life, including choreographer and then as a leaded and beveled glass artist for 16 years. Upon moving to Stephenville in 1984 she was the Executive Director for H.O.P.E. Inc. for 16 years facilitating its growth into a major social service agency including the development of the Nathan Cedars Medical Clinic and pharmacy. After retiring she was known as the "Flower Lady" at HEB. For the past 7 years she was a personal chef for Dr. Cedars. Jennifer loved her volunteer work as a Board member and driver for Meals on Wheels, and ESL Teacher at the First United Methodist Church and a regular server at the Thursday lunches provided by the Wesley Center. Jennifer was a unique woman who lived life to the fullest. She cared deeply about others. She had friends too numerous to mention who loved her because of her caring personality. The loves of her life were her husband, Richard and son, Nicolai. Survivors include husband, Richard; son, Nicolai of Tokyo, Japan; sister and brother-in-law, Theresa and Bill Farrens of Portland, Oregon; sister, Gretchen Sopko of Tampa, Florida; sister-in-law, Jean Rittenour of Portland, Oregon; and numerous loved cousins, nieces, nephews and their children. Jennifer was preceded in death by parents, Ralph and Virginia Rittenour; brother, Ralph "Muff" Rittenour; and brother-in-law, Rance Sopko. Her family and friends will sincerely miss this most special woman, truly a one of a kind. Expressions of sympathy can be made at Meals on Wheels of Erath County and the Wesley Center at Tarleton State University.