Marimartha Ritter
Marimartha Ritter
Graveside services for Marimartha Ritter, 90, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 1:00 p.m., Sunday, April 11, 2021 at Oak Lawn Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Ritter passed away at 3:04 p.m., Wednesday, March 31, 2021, at Cedarhurst of West Plains.
She was born January 9, 1931, at West Plains, Missouri, to Albert Paul Roper and Pauline Hope Lucas Roper. On September 8, 1951, she was married at West Plains, Missouri to James F. Ritter, who preceded her in death on October 13, 2003. Marimartha graduated from West Plains High School with the Class of 1948 and received her master’s degree in secondary education at Southwest Missouri State University, now known as Missouri State University. Before her retirement she was a teacher at West Plains High School. She was a member of P.E.O. Chapter MC and a volunteer at Ozarks Medical Center. Mrs. Ritter was a member of First United Methodist Church where she served as song leader and in the women’s group.
She is survived by three children, Paula England and husband, Gregg, Koshkonong, Missouri, Bruce Ritter and wife, Sharon, East Setauket, New York and Ruthi Holmes and husband, Pat, Koshkonong, Missouri; eight grandchildren, Anne Noblin, Lucas England, Zoe Ritter, Sophie Ritter, John Ritter, Thera Lashley, Josh Holmes and Brenna Elliott; eight great-grandchildren; one sister, Beverly Rutter and husband, Andrew, Tucson, Arizona; one sister-in-law, Patricia Card and husband, Gene, Grove, Oklahoma; and several nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband and one great-granddaughter, Emilia England, preceded her in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to West Plains Public Library or First United Methodist Pastor’s Discretionary Fund and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Melinda DeShazo Brenton
March 31, 2021 @ 5:57 pm
She was an awesome teacher and we all gave her a hard time, but she loved us just as much, it was as if she could read our minds some days. She was just a good teacher and friend after I was out of school, I was glad to find out she was still doing well. I know she has gone home to heaven and in a much better place now and she has earned every minute of joy and peace. Thinking of each of her family and friends, lifting them in prayer as it is never an easy time to go through.
Jane Hilbrich
April 1, 2021 @ 7:14 pm
Your Mom was one of my favorite teachers. Such a remarkable woman. Prayers coming to all of you ?
Michael Frommel
March 31, 2021 @ 7:28 pm
To the entire Ritter family. I’m sorry to hear of Marimartha’s passing. I have fond memories of her and Jim. May God give you his peace.
Hassel and Alice Vandergriff
March 31, 2021 @ 8:44 pm
Paula, Ruthie, Bruce, and whole family; I just saw this! I am so very sorry. Marimartha was a wonderful lady in every way, and I so much enjoyed working with her at the high school. God bless and comfort your hearts; she was always so proud of her kids and grands.
Maria Robinson(Watkins)
April 1, 2021 @ 12:15 pm
She was a wonderful teacher. She was also a wonderful lady. She will be missed. Sending prayers for the family she left behind.
Kay James
April 1, 2021 @ 3:13 pm
My sincere condolences to the children and grandchildren. I considered her a dear Christian friend and loved and admired her so much.
Debra (Dunn)Plachy
April 1, 2021 @ 4:28 pm
She was my geography and psychology teacher when I was in High School in the mid 80’s. She was a wonderful teacher and a caring person. My condolences to Bruce and family. You won’t remember me but you were my biology teacher. My thoughts are prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. God bless you.
Sincerely,
Debbie (Dunn) Plachy
Donna Vercellone- Luther
April 1, 2021 @ 4:39 pm
To the Ritter family, I am very sorry to hear of Marimartha’s passing. She was an amazing and lovely person. I will never forget how Marimartha, Jim , Bruce , Ruthie and Paula “ adopted” me. I taught with Jim and had moved from STL. I was on my own. But not for long. She had me over for dinners, checked on me and welcomed me into their home. She “ mothered” me when I needed it. And the family would always tell me about Jim’s “Donna” stories. Yes I was young and naive and from the big city. Marimartha looked after me. I treasure those times and memories. I remember driving to Springfield with them. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. You were so lucky to have such an amazing caring, Christian Mother . Love to all of you.
Anita Langston Turner
April 1, 2021 @ 5:20 pm
Mrs. Ritter was a wonderful teacher and one of my favorites. She was a lovely and warm person. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Jill (Cozort) Brooks
April 1, 2021 @ 6:11 pm
So sorry to hear of your family’s loss. Your mom was one of my favorite teachers, she always had a smile on her face and was willing to laugh with us. May God give you comfort and peace.
Amber Redburn
April 2, 2021 @ 3:47 pm
Paula, Bruce, and Ruthi/Families,
We want to extend our deepest sympathy to all of you on the passing of Marimartha. She was job to be around..always happy, smiling, and full of energy! She will be missed! All of you will be in our daily prayers/thoughts. During this difficult time may God encourage, comfort, strengthen, and give each of you peace. May God bless all of you.
In Christian Love,
Norris/Ivene Cozort
Tim, Amber(Cozort), and Corby Redburn
The Paris Family
April 8, 2021 @ 7:34 pm
To the Ritter Family,
Our condolences on the passing of ‘Mrs. Ritter’. She was a fabulous lady and a wonderful teacher. Always positive, upbeat, and supportive. West Plains lost a monumental citizen.
Warm wishes,
The Paris Family (Bess, Ann Frances, & Sam)
Steve and Melissa Jens
April 2, 2021 @ 4:03 pm
Ruthi, Steve and I are sorry about the loss of your mom.
Kristen Good
April 2, 2021 @ 6:19 pm
Dear Paula and all the loved ones of Mrs. Ritter. I never knew Mrs. Ritter, but she raised a daughter, Paula, who makes a difference in lives of others everyday. My children and my family are blessed to have met Paula. Take great comfort in knowing that your mom gave generations of your family character and grace.
Christopher, Kristen, Andrew, & Chauncey Good
Rita Collins Gibson
April 2, 2021 @ 10:13 pm
Your Mom was a great encourager to me and a wonderful teacher. Prayers and comfort during this difficult time but also as you celebrate a Godly life well lived to His glory.
Kathy Beaty
April 3, 2021 @ 11:47 am
To the Ritter,
So sorry for the passing of one so dear.
She was my Geography teacher my sophomore year in high school.
And later my Sunday school mate @ FUMC.
She was a dear sweet lady.
She will truly be missed.
Cherish her memory. May she rest in peace.
Kathy(Bray) Beaty Class of ’75
Scott Cline
April 3, 2021 @ 3:45 pm
Rest in peace, Mrs Ritter. You were one of a kind
Teri (Luna) Palmer
April 4, 2021 @ 7:26 pm
To Paula, Bruce and Ruthi:
You and your families have my deepest sympathies. Your mom was one of my favorite teachers. I liked her upbeat, cheerful attitude. Thoughts and prayers for all of you as she will be deeply missed.
Susan Quinn Miles
April 5, 2021 @ 2:38 pm
Paula, Bruce and Ruthi
I am so sorry to hear about your Mom’s passing. She was so much fun. All the times we came to West Plains to see everyone and go to the county fairs. Between your Mom and Aunt Pauline we always had incredible lunches and great adventures. We will be thinking about all of you.
Craig and Sherri Cromer
April 6, 2021 @ 6:33 pm
So sorry for your loss she was a wonderful lady.