Henry 'Hank' Rittierodt

Henry “Hank” Rittierodt died December 29, 2009, in Spokane, WA at the age of 90. His loving daughter, Becky, was at his side. Hank was born in State Center, IA, on September 21, 1919, to Henry and Alvina Rittierodt. He joined sisters, Emma (Fred Hepperle) and Margaret (Howard Strode). As an infant, Hank survived the famous 1919 flu epidemic that had earlier claimed his father and a sister. The family moved to Loyalton, SD, where, in 1935, he graduated from high school. Hank met future wife, Dorothy Hoey in Yakima, WA and they were married on Valentine’s Day, 1942. Married 66 years, he and Dorothy raised a family; son, Michael and daughter, Becky. They lived in Moses Lake and Kennewick, before moving to Wenatchee to care for relatives. Later in life, the couple enjoyed traveling to all 50 states, Canada, Mexico, Europe, the Caribbean and, their favorite, Hawaii. Hank was a WWII Navy Veteran, serving at the Naval Air Station, Pasco and aboard ship in the South Pacific. A longtime resident of Kennewick, WA, he served his community in the Lion’s Club, Tri-City Country Club, the Elks, the Chamber of Commerce, the Transportation Club and Toastmasters. Living in Wenatchee, he enjoyed being a member of the Three Lakes Golf Club. He had a hole-in-one there and another while vacationing in Banff, Alberta, Canada. Hank was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his daughter, Becky Woodruff of Cheney, WA; and grandsons, Cody and Tyson. He also has a special cousin, Jack Durrett and his wife, Betty, who recently moved to Vancouver, WA. Hank was preceded in death by his son, Michael, who died of cancer at the age of 26; his love and soul mate, Dorothy, who died just ten months ago. He requested No Funeral and to be buried beside Dorothy and Mike, in Kennewick. WA. Graveside Memorial will be held Friday, January 22, 2010, at 1:00 p.m. at Riverview Heights Cemetery, in Kennewick, WA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to any local animal shelter or rescue group. There are two Great Danes who sure miss their Grandpa. He always brought treats when he came to visit. Becky is forever grateful for the adventures they were able to share since her mother’s passing. A special thanks to Ernie for making the trip up the Palouse Falls Canyon a reality. Hank was a trooper, smiling the whole time, not easy, at 90 years old. He was diagnosed with cancer just 13 days before his death. He is loved and missed. Arrangements by Jones & Jones~Betts Funeral Home, Wenatchee. Please express your thoughts and memories on the online guest book at jonesjonesbetts.com.