Parthena Rheingans

PARTHENA RHEINGANS, 88 ROCKFORD - The world lost a remarkable woman on Friday, Jan. 17, 2014, with the passing of Pat Rheingans in the home of her son, daughter-in-law, and grandson in Sullivan, Wis. Pat was born Nov. 25, 1925, to Cecil and Elizabeth Ramsey in Monticello, Ky. She later moved to Rockford. She met her husband, Jack in 1947, and they were married in 1948, at Centennial Christian Church. They lived in Pecatonica for some time before moving back to Rockford. Pat spent 25 years working at Muller Pinehurst as an Executive Secretary and was active in her community, teaching Sunday school for 27 years, working as a room mother at the local school, and once even playing for wounded WWII veterans at Camp Grant, where the Rockford International Airport is today. She had four sons, all of whom became Eagle Scouts, and she was active working with them in the Scouts. After her husband passed in 2002, she began volunteering at Court Street United Methodist Church and moved to Cherry Valley, where she lived for several years down the road from family. She also began volunteering annually at a camp for disabled children with her family. She kept in contact with her friends, playing bridge with them weekly until she moved to Sullivan less than a year ago. Her hobbies always included bridge, cooking, crosswords, and needlework of all kinds. She will be remembered for her wit and love. She was known by many, regardless of their relation to her, if any, as simply Grandma, as she was always willing to cook for, help, and make colorful comments to anyone who took the time to talk with her. She is survived by sons, Scott of Madison, Wis., Jim (Debbie) of Cherry Valley, Ken (Sue) of Sullivan, Wis., and Tom (Amy) of Portland, Ore.; grandchildren, Jack, Ciel, Adam (Lauren), Jason, Jacqueline, and Sam; great-grandson, Jack; brother, Chris Ramsey; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her siblings, Joe and Evelyn. The funeral service will be at 12 noon Friday, Jan. 24, 2014, in Court Street United Methodist Church, 215 N. Court St., Rockford, with Rev. Calvin Culpepper officiating. The service will be preceded by the visitation from 11 to 11:45 a.m., followed by lunch. The burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Court Street United Methodist Church. Arrangements are provided by Olson Funeral & Cremation Services, Ltd. To share a memory or condolence, visit olsonfh.com.