Obituary of H. Rita Beltzhoover

H. Rita Beltzhoover (nee Ruscin) Age 82, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, August 8, 2016 with her loving family at her side, following a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer's. Rita was born to Czechoslovakian immigrants, Mike and Mary Ruscin, on December 9, 1933 in West Frankfort, Illinois. She was the youngest of five children. She married Edward Beltzhoover on August 28, 1954, and together they raised seven children with 14 grandchildren. Rita was loved and adored by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her. She was a devout Catholic who raised her family to embrace the same, strong faith she implemented in her daily life. In addition to raising her own children, she became a day care provider who lovingly and patiently cared for many children in her Joliet home for over 30 years. Rita was also a dedicated volunteer at St. Raymond's, JCHS, and SFA. In 1994, at 61 years of age, Rita earned her Associate Degree in Child Development. She enjoyed family vacations to Cocoa Beach, Florida as well as RV trips to Alaska with her husband and friends. Above all else, Rita cherished the time she spent with her children and grandchildren. Survived by her seven children; Dirk, Marianne, Eric (Laurie), Carolyn (David) Johanson, Christine, Alex (Janet) and Gretchen (Rolf) Troha; her fourteen grandchildren; Jon Beltzhoover, Ryan and Rachel Beltzhoover, Chris, Matt, Tim and Sara Johanson, Samantha Greben, Conner Klinger, Elizabeth Beltzhoover, Madeline, Luke, Erik and Ingrid Troha; and her siblings; Margaret McDonald, John Ruscin, Alice Johnston and Mary Ruscin. Preceded in death by her beloved husband, Edward (2010); and her parents. We are blessed and eternally grateful for the love and compassion provided by her dedicated caregivers Vicky, Yola, and Lidia. Funeral Services for Rita Beltzhoover will be held Friday, August 12, 2016 at 9:15 a.m. from the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Roads, Joliet, IL to the Cathedral of St. Raymond for Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. As it was Rita's wish, cremation rites will be accorded following the funeral Mass. Private inurnment will be held at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials in her name to the Cathedral of St. Raymond would be appreciated. Visitation Thursday, 4-8 p.m. at the funeral home. For more information: (815) 741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com