Kathryn H. Rittgarn, 92, of Lexington, Nebraska passed away on Thursday, April 23, 2020 at Plum Creek Care Center in Lexington.

Kathryn H. Rittgarn was born on March 7, 1928, at Lexington, Nebraska to James and Lena (Neilsen) Arbuckle. She received her primary education from Lexington High School and graduated with the class of 1945. Following graduation, Kathryn was employed at Tri-County Hospital in Lexington.

On September 2, 1945, Kathryn was united in marriage to the love of her life, Bob Rittgarn in Lexington. Following their marriage, they made their home in Dawson County and would live the majority of their lives in Dawson and Phelps County. They were blessed with four children: Keith, Karen, Kenneth and Kevin. Kathryn would spend the next thirty plus years working as a Nurses Aid at Tri-County Hospital in Lexington. Bob preceded her in death on November 11, 1986.

Early in life, Kathryn was baptized in the First United Methodist Church in Lexington and was a member for many years. She loved working in her flower garden; a fantastic cook, which you never left her house hungry; she looked forward to taking flowers to the cemeteries every year on Memorial Day; Kathryn loved life and always cared for others; and treasured time with family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Survivors include her children, Karen Flynn of Waterloo, Nebraska and Kenneth (Gwen) Rittgarn of Phoenix, Arizona; grandson who she raised, Robert “Rob” (Darla) Rittgarn of Lexington; six grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson; as well as nieces, nephews, extended family and a lifetime of friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Bob; sons, Kevin in 2005 and Keith in 2016; son-in-law, John Flynn and brother, Wayne Arbuckle.

A private family graveside service for Kathryn H. Rittgarn will be held at Robb Cemetery south of Lexington, Nebraska with Pastor Anne Gahn, officiating. Due to health concerns with COVID-19, a public Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date.

Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation.

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com