Clarita Jeanne Ellert

Clarita Jeanne (Rietman) Ellert, 88, passed away peacefully on October 28, 2011, after a long, but courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She will be remembered for her great love for family and friends and active “always on the go” lifestyle that endeared her to the hearts of all who were blessed to know her. Clarita was born March 2, 1923, and graduated at the top of her class from Memorial High School in 1940. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Evansville College. On August 12, 1947, she married her high school and college classmate, Paul “Mike” Ellert. Mike and Clarita were both very involved when Mater Dei High School opened its doors in 1949, and the school became a focal point of their lives while raising their family of seven children. In later years, Clarita continued to cheer on the Wildcats at various athletic events and helped establish the Mater Dei Friends & Alumni Association. Clarita’s activities also included being an active member of St. Agnes Catholic Church and PTA, working as a medical office bookkeeper and Weight Watchers staff member, serving on the St. Joseph Cemetery Board of Directors, playing cards with her Bridge Club friends, and following all sports, especially Mater Dei and the St. Louis Cardinals. She stayed very busy, but always had time for a game of cards with her grandchildren, who were the light of her life as she grew older. She brought a unique joy and enthusiasm to everything she did and everyone she met. Clarita was preceded in death by her parents, Henry B. and Theresa (Helfrich) Rietman; husband, Paul “Mike” Ellert, in 1976; brother, Dr. H. Jerome Rietman, in 1992; son, Joe Ellert, in 1995; and infant son, Christopher, in 1953. She is survived by her children, Mike (Helen) Ellert, Julie (Ed) Schmitt, Pete Ellert, David (Janet) Ellert, Sara Ellert, and Mary (Bob) Scheller, all of Evansville; grandchildren, Amy Ellert, Mike (Sarah) Schmitt, Laura Schmitt, Katie, Anne, Caroline and Susan Ellert, and Clare, Theresa, Leo and Maria Scheller; great-grandson, Trinstan Ellert; sister-in-law, Peggy Rietman, and several nieces and nephews. Clarita’s family would like to thank the staffs of VistaCare Hospice and West River Health Campus for their care and support. Visitation will be from 1 to 8 p.m. Sunday, October 30, 2011, at Pierre Funeral Home, 2601 W. Franklin Street, Evansville, IN 47712, with a memorial service at 6 p.m. Funeral services will begin at 9:30 a.m. Monday, October 31, 2011, at Pierre Funeral Home, continuing with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 1600 Glendale Avenue, Evansville, IN 47712, Reverend David Nunning officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Mater Dei High School for the Mike and Clarita Ellert Endowment, 1300 Harmony Way, Evansville, IN 47720.

Clarita Jeanne Ellert

March 2, 1923 - October 28, 2011