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20 Comments

  1. 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.

    Reply

    • 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 ?

      Reply

  2. 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.

    Reply

  3. 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.

    Reply

  4. 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.

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  5. 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.

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  6. 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

    Reply

  7. 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.

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  8. 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.

    Reply

  9. 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.

    Reply

  10. 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

    Reply

    • 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)

      Reply

  11. Steve and Melissa Jens
    April 2, 2021 @ 4:03 pm

    Ruthi, Steve and I are sorry about the loss of your mom.

    Reply

  12. 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

    Reply

  13. 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.

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  14. 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

    Reply

  15. Scott Cline
    April 3, 2021 @ 3:45 pm

    Rest in peace, Mrs Ritter. You were one of a kind

    Reply

  16. 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.

    Reply

  17. 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.

    Reply

  18. Craig and Sherri Cromer
    April 6, 2021 @ 6:33 pm

    So sorry for your loss she was a wonderful lady.

    Reply

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