Charlotte M. Tucker

Charlotte Maria Tucker died peacefully at home on Thursday, Sept. 23, 2010, in Carson, Va., surrounded by her loving family.

Born Charlotte Maria Ritter on Oct. 11, 1929, in Stuttgart-Unteruerkheim, Germany, to Jakob Konrad and Maria Pauline Ritter, she was the third of four children. She married her husband, Lawrence M. Tucker in 1953. Charlotte retired after 45 years of working for the federal government as a civil service employee in various assignments in Europe and the United States, finally settling in Carson, Va., with her family. During her civil service career, she received countless commendations and awards. She also served as the senior advisor for the Army Wives Association. Charlotte was a devoted, loyal and trusted friend. Her family was a constant source of joy and happiness for Charlotte over the years. A consummate cook and homemaker, everyone whose life she touched was filled with her love and devotion. She also enjoyed reading and swimming, as well as spending time with her grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jakob Ritter and Maria Ritter (nee Marquart); her sister, Lotte Ritter; her brother, Eric Ritter, who died during the siege of Stalingrad in 1942; and a loving grandson, Jack Tucker.

She is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, retired U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Lawrence M. Tucker of Carson, Va.; son, Lawrence M. Tucker Jr. of Williamsburg, Va.; son, Martin W. Tucker of Ashburn, Va., and wife, Aimee, and their two sons, Dylan and Shane; her younger brother, Horst Ritter and wife, Maria, residing in Stammheim/Calw Germany; sister-in-law, Helen Oxford and her husband, Pastor Raymond Oxford, of East Cape Giradeau, Ill., who were also with Charlotte when she passed away.

A funeral service will take place 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 2, 2010, in the Petersburg Chapel of E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes and Crematory, 3935 S. Crater Road, with the Rev. David Prather officiating. Interment will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2010, in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va. The family will receive friends one hour before the service Saturday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be forwarded to the Prince George Emergency Crew, P.O. Box 308, Prince George, VA 23875. Condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.