Obituaries : Rita Van Steenhuyse Achterberg

Williamsburg — Rita Van Steenhuyse Achterberg, 73, died of natural causes on Friday, July 31, 2015 in Williamsburg. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 9, 2015 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Williamsburg with Rev. Joseph F. Roost as celebrant followed by inurnment in the Van Steenhuyse family plot at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Williamsburg.

Rita Ann Van Steenhuyse was born January 26, 1942 in Van Horne; the youngest of six children of Walter and Louise (Simmons) Van Steenhuyse. Rita grew up in Williamsburg and graduated from Williamsburg High School in 1960. She attended Iowa State University before marrying Donald Achterberg in 1963. They moved to the Los Angeles area in 1965 where they raised their three children Michael, Alan and Ann Marie. Rita excelled as a full-time mother to her children and was ever-present in their lives. Over the years she was active in numerous volunteer positions for her parish and community. She later enjoyed a successful career as a residential real estate agent in Palos Verdes, CA. Don and Rita divorced in 2001 after 38 years of marriage.

Rita then married Ed Bower and they moved back to Williamsburg in 2004 where she was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. She enjoyed working part-time at Von Essen Galerie on the Town Square. Rita is survived by Ed, Don, her three children, Michael (Patrice) Achterberg of Rolling Hills Estates CA, Alan Achterberg of Irvine CA, and Ann Marie (Darin) Crew of Lisle IL; four grandchildren, Dean Achterberg, Chatelaine (Chet) Achterberg, Ian Crew and Sophia Crew; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Ray, Gerald, Leo and Earl and sister, Mary Frazier.

Ritaalways lovingly put everyone else first. She never wanted to complain or steal the spotlight. Rita had many close friends and was well loved by all in her communities through the years.

Van Steenhuyse-Russell Funeral Home, Vinton, is caring for Rita and her family. Condolences may be left at their web site www.vsrfh.com where inurnment and life celebration specifics will appear when available.