Rita M. Battles, age 83, of Elkhorn, WI, passed away on Thursday, July 24, 2025. She was born on July 25, 1941, in Bristol, WI, the daughter of the late Albert and Margaret (Krause) Busse. She was united in marriage to her loving husband, Gerald H. Battles, on March 24, 1962. Together they built a beautiful life and family and were each other's halves until Gerald's passing in April of 1987. During her life, she enjoyed doing many different things that involved taking care of her family and serving her community. She worked faithfully for SC Johnson for many years and worked her way up to a higher position where she had many accomplishments and leadership roles. She eventually retired, after working there for 37 years. She was very involved in 4-H and was a general and project leader. She enjoyed doing things for her community and helping as much as she could. She also loved to travel, go antiquing, and she loved her pets. All her pets hold a special place in her heart, but Bo was especially attached to her. Her greatest accomplishment was watching her beautiful family grow. Her favorite thing to do was spend time with her husband, kids, grandkids, fur babies, and all her beloved family members. She was a loving mother, wife, grandmother and great grandmother who will be deeply missed.

"A beloved grandmother, caretaker, and guiding light."

Rita Battles was a woman of strength, compassion, and quiet wisdom. She gave selflessly, cared deeply, and nurtured those around with a love that never asked for anything in return.

She played a special role in my husband's life- raising him with gentle hands and a steadfast heart. Her presence shaped the man he became, and through him, her legacy continues.

Though she is no longer with us, Rita's spirit lives on in every act of kindness, every shared memory, and in the family she helped build with so much love.

We carry her with us always- in our hearts, in our stories, and in the way we love one another.

Forever loved. Forever missed.

Rita is survived by her son, Jeffrey Battles Sr.; grandchildren, Stephanie Anton Battles, Jeffrey Gerald Battles and Nicholas John (Gabriela) Battles, sister and brother in laws; Cassie Battles, Debbie younger, Terry Battles, Randy (Marilyn) Battles, Bill (Carol) Battles, Larry (Mary) Battles, Garydon (Juanita) Battles and Johnniefaye Gurly.

Rita is preceded in death by her husband, Gerald and parents Albert and Margaret.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to be made to AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) at https://foundation.aarp.org/site/Donation/make-gift-search/?cmp=KNC-DSO-FOUNDATION-Foundation-Fundraising-NB-Phrase-47389-Bing-Foundation-GiveBack-Phrase-NonBrand&gclid=ce573ccb8cd217bc41c5544eb64fcca1&gclsrc=3p.ds&&campaignid=268526886&msclkid=ce573ccb8cd217bc41c5544eb64fcca1&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Foundation-Fundraising-NB-Phrase&utm_term=donations%20for%20seniors&utm_content=Foundation-Give%20Back

Or mail to: AARP Foundation, PO BOX 93207, Long Beach, CA, 90809-3207

No services will be held at this time. Haase-Lockwood & Associates Funeral Homes and Crematory of Elkhorn, WI, is honored to serve the Battles family. Online condolences can be made at www.haaselockwoodfhs.com

AARP
Po Box 93207, Long Beach CA 90809-3207
Web: https://foundation.aarp.org/site/Donation/make-gift-search/?cmp=KNC-DSO-FOUNDATION-Foundation-Fundra