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BORN

1938

DIED

2009

Henry Ritzenthaler Obituary

Henry Leon Ritzenthaler, 70, of Dermott, AR, formerly of Paradise, CA, died January 12, 2009. Leon was born Henry Leon Blythe on January 17, 1938 in Sherman, TX to the late William Jefferson ("W.J.") Blythe and Virginia Adele Gash (Ritzenthaler-Coffelt) and was later adopted by his stepfather. Leon is survived by his wife, Judith Ritzenthaler; daughter, Virginia (Ron) Gana of Dermott, AR; son, Charles (Lisa) Ritzenthaler of Paradise, CA; four grandchildren, Heather, Shane, Jason and Brandy and five great-grandchildren. Leon is also survived by his half-brother William Jefferson Clinton, his half-sister, Sharon Pettijohn and his two very special friends, Jerry Bogner and Mike Funkhouser.

Leon served in the US Army and moved to Paradise in 1980 opening building maintenance businesses. He was a member of the Elks, Moose, and E Clampus Vitus for many years. He moved from Paradise to Arkansas in 2008 to be with his daughter.

A very informal memorial will be held on Sunday, January 18, 2009 at 1 p.m. at the new Bille Park Pavilion in Paradise. All of Leon's friends are welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Paradise Post from Jan. 23 to Jan. 26, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Henry Ritzenthaler

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Thomas Pettijohn

January 18, 2009

The family has my deepest sympathy. Losing a Loved one is always difficult.

While I never met my Uncle, I know that my mother, Sharon Blythe Pettijohn, was happy to have a brother and spoke of Leon often.

Best wishes,

Angel Sousa

January 17, 2009

We may not be related but you treated me like family. You were the sweetiest, kindest person Ive ever met. I love you so much.
Ill keep an eye out for Brandy ;)

Love Always & Forever,

Angel

Brandy Ritzenthaler

January 17, 2009

Grandpa
I miss you and love you so much. I want you to know that you will always be in my heart. You are my best friend and the best grandpa anyone could ask for. I cant wait untill we meet again. I love you!!!!!

Joan Moores

January 16, 2009

Dear Virginia,
I am so sorry to hear about your father. It is good you had some special time with him. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I hope for the time when those tears that sting will ease and the pain fade away. May all your memories be from special times and the love you have for him. Know that I am here sweetie if you need me. Take care of your self. (my little sis Ginney) Love Joan

Heather Bolin

January 15, 2009

We love and miss you Grampce!! Your Great GrandChildren Cheyenne, Miranda & Robert Bolin

Heather Bolin

January 15, 2009

Grampce I wish I would have spent more time with you! I love you so much! Love your Very first grandaughter Heather Bolin!!

Virginia Gana

January 15, 2009

Daddy,
I am so glad that I had this past 9 months with you. I already miss you very much. I hope you will be waiting for me when the time comes. You are the best father a girl could ever want.

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