John Keith Rickenbaugh

John Keith RickenbaughJohn Keith Rickenbaugh, 58, Tipton died of pancreatic cancer at noon Sunday, May 25, 2008 at the Autumnwood Extended Care Unit at Tipton Hospital.  He was born September 8, 1949 in Huntingburg, Indiana , the son of Harold and Inez (Mitchell) Rickenbaugh.  He graduated from Tipton High School in 1967, from the University of Evansville in 1971, and earned a Masters Degree from Ball State University. He was a social studies teacher for Tipton Community Schools for over 35 years.John was a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Loyal Order of Moose and had many friends in both organizations.  He had an avid interest in his career and was an expert in American History focusing on the  American Revolution and the Civil War. He had a deep pride in his thousands of students and a friendship for his fellow teachers.  John was also very proud of his family.Survivors include his mother, sister, Saundra Olvey (Daniel), all of Bloomington, Indiana, a niece Jennifer Starr (Keith) of Louisville, Kentucky,  a nephew, Scott Olvey (Amy), of Appleton, Wisconsin, two great-nieces, Emily Olvey and Nora Starr,  and a great-nephew, Benjamin Olvey. John had a special friend, Betty Dennis, who was a loyal caregiver and companion during his final days. He was preceded in death by his father in 1993.He had several aunts and uncles, and many cousins. John will be deeply missed by his many friends, students and his family.John’s family expresses their appreciation to Tipton Hospital, Autumnwood Extended Care, and Dr. Dianna Andrews for their compassionate care. The sincere care and concern of the Tipton Community School Corporation, it’s educators and students also made John’s final days more comfortable. Finally, the many visitors and well-wishers lifted John’s spirits and are deeply appreciated.A funeral service will be held at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 28 at the Tipton High School Auditorium with an Elks memorial service. Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery, Tell City, Indiana at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, May 29. Arrangements are being handled by Young-Nichols Funeral Home.In lieu of flowers, the family has established a memorial fund at Tipton Middle School to be used for the purchase of  equipment.  Memorials should be sent to Tipton Middle School, 817 S. Main St., Tipton, Indiana 46072 with a notation to the John Rickenbaugh Memorial Fund.