Kay Arlette Ritter, 85, of Rossville, IL, passed away on Friday, July 8, 2022, at her daughter’s home in Rossville. She was born October 23, 1936, in Danville, IL, to Cecil and Verda (Robling) Thomas.
Kay was raised in Rossville, where she met the love of her life, Lewis Ritter, while riding on her brother's motorcycle. Lewis asked her if she wanted to ride on a bigger bike, thus the start of their 4 years of dating and engagement. They were married December 4, 1954, in Williamsport, IN.
During their marriage, they had three children, Nyla, Bill, and Tom. Lewis joined the Navy to avoid being drafted to the Army. While in the Navy, they lived in different states every four years during his twenty years of service, until his retirement. They then moved back to Illinois to retire and farm with his family.
Kay lost her husband in 1982, with her son, Tom, still at home. She then got a job that she loved at the VA, taking care of nurse’s times, until her retirement.
She loved her God and her church family at the Rossville Church of Christ. At one time, she sent birthday cards to everyone when their day came. She loved golf, mowing, and traveling. She especially enjoyed traveling to Austria twice to work at a college that educated different races of people for the ministry.
In addition to her husband, Kay was preceded in death by her parents; two sons, Bill and Tom Ritter; and three brothers.
She leaves behind her daughter, Nyla LaMar of Rossville, IL; two daughters-in-law, Tammie Ritter of Rossville, IL and Kathy Ritter of West Terre Haute, IN; two sisters-in-law, Ruth Thomas of Rossville, IL and Beverly Miles of Williamsport, IN; four grandchildren, Lewis, Kayla, Kelsey, and Hannah; four great-grandchildren, Taylor, Addison, Sierra, and Gregory; and many nieces and nephews.
Known to everyone as Aunt Kay, she was a role model for many people, great and small. She is leaving a huge hole in many people’s hearts and will be greatly missed.
Cremation rites will be accorded. A visitation will be held 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. Friday July 15, 2022, at Anderson Funeral Home, 427 E. Main St. Hoopeston, IL. The memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday July 16, 2022, at the Rossville Church of Christ, 514 E. Attica St., Rossville, IL, with Pastor Kevin Purdy officiating. Burial will follow in Rossville Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Rossville Church of Christ, 514 E. Attica St. Rossville, IL 60963.
Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com
