Rita J. (Rehrer) Carteaux

Rita J. (Rehrer) Carteaux, 93, of Fort Wayne passed away Friday, June 4, 2021. Rita was born June 30, 1927, in Akron, OH, daughter of the late Cloyd Rehrer and Elizabeth (Zuber) Rehrer.  After the death of her parents at a young age, Rita was raised at Saint Vincent Villa Catholic Orphanage.  Rita attended Central Catholic High School and later worked in food and custodial services at FWCS for over 30 years.  In 1946, Rita played in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL). She was drafted by the Racine Belles, then traded to the Peoria Redwings.  Her position was catcher, and she was given the nickname “Spud” by her teammates.  In early 1990’s, Rita received recognition in the Baseball Hall of Fame at Cooperstown, NY.  Rita continued her love of baseball by being an avid Chicago Cubs fan, spending many hours watching Cubs baseball during her retirement. Rita loved her family and enjoyed the family's large gatherings.  Surviving are her daughters, Kathleen (Jim) McGinley, Patricia Schrader, Barb (Greg) Shearer; sons, Dennis (Rebecca) Carteaux, David (Patricia) Carteaux, Daniel (Kathy) Carteaux, Kenneth (Ruth) Carteaux, and Tim (Joni) Carteaux; 24 grandchildren; 76 1/2 great-grandchildren; and 11 great great-grandchildren.  Rita was also preceded in death by her husband, Francis L. Carteaux, son-in-law, Jack Schrader; two sisters and two brothers.   A private Mass of Christian Burial will be held.  Burial will be in Catholic Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Masses.