Mrs. Doris Elizabeth Rittenhouse

Her Journey: Doris Elizabeth Rittenhouse was born January 12,1923 to Douglas and Beatrice Tibbs in Detroit, Michigan. She was affectionately nicknamed "Zeke" by her brother Douglas Tibbs Jr. He preceded her in death in 1998. Doris wed William B. Horner II, and to this union William B. Horner III was born. Doris later married Charles A. Rittenhouse Sr. Their children are Carol and Charles Rittenhouse Jr. Doris and her sisters-in-law, Maxine Tibbs, Frances Bailey and Nancy Jackson were lifelong friends; all preceded her in death. Graduating from Northern High School, Doris attended Wayne State University. She worked in the Well-Baby Clinic at Herman Kiefer Hospital and taught elementary education in the Roseville Public School District. She was subsequently employed as a community resource assistant and later an attendance officer for the Detroit Public Schools. Doris continued her career at Wayne County Department of Social Services. There she served as a medical case worker, promoting to supervisor, retiring in 1990. Doris was active in many community and civic organizations. She served as Girl Scout Leader, PTA President, and Block Club President. She was active as a member of St. Mary's and Grace Episcopal Churches. Doris worked tirelessly as a member of the Altar Guild, as an usher, on the Vestry Board and as Junior Warden. She was a member of the Kings Daughter's Inner Circle and lifetime member of the NAACP. Doris took exceptional pride in her staff at Social Services. She loved to prepare lunch, cinnamon rolls, and pound cake for them. She counted her staff lifelong friends, actively participating in the DSS Greenfield-Joy Retirees Group. Doris was an avid gardener, cook, enjoyed sewing, crocheting, and knitting. She was a "chocoholic" known to whip up late night batches of chocolate fudge and brownies. She was never without a supply of candy in her purse. Upon retiring, she taught arts and crafts at the Coleman Young Recreational Center in Detroit. She took pride in her t-shirt designs each created with a unique pattern and medium. Doris was skilled playing "contract bridge" winning numerous local and national trophies. She was an active member in two bridge clubs playing until her health prevented her in 2012. Her love for travel took her to Morocco, Acapulco, Haiti and the Caribbean. She loved to drive, traveling cross-country on many trips. After major open-heart surgery in January 1990, she displayed great resilience and fortitude, undertaking a three-week trip to the Orient by June 1990. Accompanied by her childhood friend, classmate and confidant, Beatrice Allie, who preceded her in death in September 2014, together they visited Hong Kong, Singapore and Thailand. "Mrs. Rittenhouse" as she was affectionately called by neighbors and church members, could be relied on to aid and support. She lovingly provided care for seniors taking them shopping and preparing their meals. In the "great snowstorm of 1966," she delivered a neighbor's baby when the streets were impassable and the ambulance delayed. She was skilled, energetic, highly organized, lending help to those in need. Doris made her transition on December 11, 2014.

Mrs. Doris Elizabeth Rittenhouse

January 12, 1923 - December 11, 2014