Loretta L. Rittenhouse

Loretta L. Rittenhouse, 75, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, April 19, 2012. Born on September 23, 1936 in St. Georges, Delaware, her parents were the late Albert Crompton Sr. and Mildred Torbert Crompton. Loretta (or Pete, as she was known to many) also lived in Hollywood, Florida and Newark, Delaware, but grew to love the mountains of Salem, Virginia where she had lived since 1999. In addition to her parents, Loretta was preceded in death by her husband, Donald L. Rittenhouse of Newark, Delaware; and a son, Charles Andrew (Andy) Camac of Davie, Florida. Andy passed away on April 14, 2012. She is survived by her sons, Curt Camac and wife, Mary, of Salem, Virginia, and Christopher Camac and wife, Toni Lynn, of Long Island, New York. She was a loving grandmother to five, Lauren and Emily Camac of Salem, and Christopher, Chelsea, and Tyler Camac of Long Island. Loretta also leaves two brothers, Albert Crompton and wife, Martina, of Elkton, Maryland, and Frank Crompton of Newark, Delaware. Her nephews, Walter, Jeffrey, and Hans Crompton also survive, along with her Uncle Frank Torbert and wife, Peg; cousins, Charles and Thomas Crompton, Edward, Kenny, and Larry Lester, and Scott Torbert; several second cousins; great-nieces; and great-nephews. Loretta graduated from Delaware City High School and Goldie Beacom College in Delaware. She worked as a legal secretary for the Delaware State Senate and as an executive assistant for the DuPont Company in Wilmington, DE. She also taught cooking classes in her home in Newark for many years. She was most proud, however, of her job as a mother to her three sons. Loretta was an avid reader who filled her house with books. She loved flowers, and could actually grow orchids. She was also a very talented decorator. She really knew her football, baseball, and thoroughbred racing, and she always bet on the gray horses. Loretta enjoyed travel, particularly with her late husband, Don. Their trips to London at Christmas and to the coast of Mexico were among her fondest memories. Loretta also loved meeting new people. She made friends everywhere she went, and she kept them. She leaves behind many wonderful companions who were there for her in good times and bad. Hopefully, all of them know how much she cared for them. A memorial service will take place on Thursday, May 17th at 2:00 p.m. at St. Paul 's Episcopal Church, located at 42 East Main St. , Salem , Virginia 24153 . Friends are invited to gather in the Parish Hall after the service. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Salem Food Pantry at 620 Chapman Street in Salem, VA 24153. Friends are invited to gather in the Parish Hall after the service. An online guestbook is available at www.johnmoakey.com. The Rittenhouse family is being served by John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem, 540-389-5441.