Deloris Jean Ritter

Doloris Jean Ritter, 90, of Wapakoneta, moved from her residence in Wapakoneta to her long awaited home in Heaven, Mon. Feb. 9, 2015 at 11:33PM. She was born February 18, 1924, the daughter of Oley Glenn and Edna Irene (Sydam) Brown of Lima, Ohio. She was one of three children. Jean, as she was affectionately known, was a graduate of Lima South High School, Gregg College and the LaSalle University. She worked in Lima for many years. First, at the Lima Ordinance Depot, where she and her co-workers would often tuck into empty tank compartments, notes of encouragement to our country’s servicemen who would one day occupy those tanks. She was also employed at Deisel-Wemmer-Gilbert Cigar Factory for a number of years as well as served as secretary for Fritchie Asphalt and Paving. As a longtime member of Waynesfield United Methodist Church, Jean held a deep faith in Jehovah God and was a faithful Christian throughout her life. She was great supporter of Christian Broadcasting Network and other faith affiliated organizations as well as a supporter of various veteran organizations. She had a loving heart which mirrored the grace and mercy of her Heavenly Father, reaching out in love to the world around her. She was quick to give of herself to those in need in around her, she had a generous spirit. She, her sister and mother had formed a singing group in their younger years where they traveled and sang country music together. Her talent also extended to playing both the organ and the guitar. She also loved to square dance traveling to various dances and calls in the tri-county area. In 1977 she met, fell in love with and married Marion George Ritter of Wapakoneta, Ohio, a WWII Purple Heart veteran. She and her husband lived around Wapakoneta for over forty years. They later retired together settling in a home on Glynwood Road in Wapakoneta. Preceding her in death were her parents, her husband, her brother Ron Brown of Lima and sister Cathy LaValle of Tucson, Arizona. She is survived by her step children, Lanny Joe Ritter of Lakeview, Ohio and Candice Eileen “Janey” Magill of Arbovale, West Virginia; four step-grandchildren, Daniel George Dodds of Bellefontaine, Ohio, Cynthia Lynn Willoby and husband James Willoby of Tucson, Arizona, Jesse Ritter, and Jessica Ritter both of Lakeview, Ohio; and two great grandchildren, Ashley Marie Turner and Kirstyn Nicole Willoby of Tucson Arizona. While the Ritter family rejoices in Jean’s life here on earth, her absence will be mourned until the day the family is reunited in Heaven. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Sat. Feb. 14, 2015, at the Bayliff & Eley Funeral Home and Cremation Services, St. Rt. 501, Wapakoneta, Pastor Kathleen Hayes officiating. Interment will follow in the Woodlawn Cemetery, Lima. The family will receive friends 4-8 p.m., Fri. and 1 hr. prior to the service, Sat. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to The Christian Broadcasting Network 977 Centerville Turnpike, Virginia Beach, VA 23463.

Deloris Jean Ritter

February 18, 1924 - February 9, 2015