Rita E. Abplanalp's Obituary
Rita E. Abplanalp, age 90 of Batesville, died Thursday, June 20, 2013 at the Waters of Batesville. Born June 11, 1923 in Sunman, Indiana, she is the daughter of Catherine (Nee: Hoffbauer) and Louis Fritsch. She married Vincent Abplanalp on July 29, 1944 at St. Paul’s Church in New Alsace, Indiana and he preceded her in death on August 29, 2002. Rita was a homemaker and a long time sales clerk for the Batesville Gamble’s Store as well as a member of St. Louis Church and the Batesville V.F.W. Post #3183 Ladies Auxiliary.In recent years, health issues limited her mobility, but prior to that, Rita was quite active and had many hobbies. For many years she quilted and liked working jig saw puzzles. She and Vince used to fish together and apparently Rita could clean fish with the best of them. They also raised a vegetable garden for years and would can the excess. Some of that excess was turned into homemade grape juice, tomato juice and wine. Her children said that while she didn’t watch a lot of television, she loved the Lawrence Welk Show. They also indicated she was an exceptional cook. While it was all good, her fried chicken and cherry cheesecake were among their favorites.Rita is survived by her sons Dennis of Ft. Walton Beach, Florida, Gary of Greensburg, Indiana, Bill of Batesville, Ralph of Lawrenceburg, Indiana; sister Irene Barnhorst of Batesville; 12 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. In addition to her husband and parents, she is also preceded in death by her brothers Stanley and Alfred Fritsch.Visitation is Monday, June 24th, from 4 – 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Funeral services are 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 25th, at St. Louis Church with Rev. Randy Summers officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family requests memorials to Batesville E.M.S. 10 or St. Louis School.
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