Ellen Ruth Ritzler

Ellen Ruth Ritzler, 100, passed away on Wednesday, April 29, 2015 at Wellington Adult Care Home in Dodge Center, Minnesota where she resided for the past seven years. She was born on February 21, 1915 in Elgin, Illinois to William and Iva (Beard) Williamson. She was married on October 21, 1939 to Russell Edward Ritzler in Three Oaks, Michigan.

She was formerly of South Bend, Indiana where she was active in many community clubs and Mt. Pleasant Methodist and Portage Chapel churches serving in many different roles. She served faithfully for many years as a PTA member in the various schools her children attended. She also volunteered for Meals on Wheels program and provided care of her elderly mother in the family home for several years.

Her hobbies included gardening, sewing, knitting, baking, and antique club. She truly enjoyed her flower/vegetable gardens once their retirement home in Rolling Prairie, Indiana was completed in 1976. In 2001, Ellen and Russell moved to Kasson, Minnesota to be closer to family and great grandchildren.

She is survived by her son, Barry (Carolyn) Ritzler of Bristol, Connecticut, a daughter, Kathleen (Ronald) Hooley of Kasson, Minnesota, five grandchildren and eight great grandchildren, and one brother, Duane Williamson of Rolling Prairie, Indiana. She was preceded in death by her husband, Russell Ritzler in 2010, and her three brothers, Lee Williamson, Ellis Williamson, and Wilbur Williamson.

A visitation/memorial service will be held on Monday, May 4, 2015 with visitation at 10 a.m. and a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. at Kaniewski’s Funeral Home in South Bend, Indiana.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Rolling Prairie Methodist Church in Rolling Prairie, Indiana or Wellington Adult Care in Dodge Center, Minnesota. Czaplewski Family Funeral Home in Dodge Center assisted with arrangements.
Blessed be her memory.