James Robert "Bobby" Rittenhouse, 86,  of Afton passed away on Friday, January 31, 2025 following a long battle with heart failure at his home.  Born August 4, 1938, he was the son of the late William E. and Elza Duncan Rittenhouse also of Afton. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brother and his wife, "Mack" and Gloria Rittenhouse, brother-in-law, Meriwether Ward and a host of other family members.

Survivors include Bobby's wife of 66 years, Bessie Tomlin Rittenhouse, daughter, Bonnie R. Campbell, her husband, L. D. of Amherst, and son, Bryan Rittenhouse of Faber.  He also leaves behind grandchildren Kristin Abbott (husband Sam), Kelsey Campbell, Bryson Rittenhouse and Brandon King (wife Rachel).  Great grandchildren include Levi and Kaylee Abbott. Sister Frances Whitmire, Sisters-in-law, Nancy Ward and Margie (husband Fletcher) Freeman also survive him, as well as his nephews, nieces and cousins.

Mr. Rittenhouse was a member of the last graduating class from Rockfish Valley High School in 1955.  Bob was employed at E. I. DuPont in Waynesboro, Virginia for almost 36 years until his retirement in June, 1993.  He enjoyed many years of gardening vegetables and flowers, carpentry work and any baseball game.  He could often be found traveling with his wife on "55 Alive of Virginia" bus trips for many years and continued to be an influential  part of his children and grandchildren's lives and their activities until his health declined.  Bobby enjoyed attending Greater Grace Baptist Church in Afton.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to the Wintergreen and Rockfish Valley Rescue Squad, hospice nurses, Ilona and Jeannie, as well as special neighbor, Mary Dodd, for their care and support in the last few months.

A funeral service will be conducted by Pastor Danny Thomas at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at McDow Funeral Home, Waynesboro, Virginia.  Interment will follow at Hebron Baptist Church Cemetery in Afton.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Greater Grace Baptist Church, P. O. Box 119, Afton, Virginia or to Rockfish Valley Volunteer Fire Department, Afton Virginia 22920 or a charity of your choice.

Friends and family may share condolences and memories at mcdowfuneralhomeinc.com.