Name: Memorial Gathering for Patricia RITZ
Start: 2014-07-20T23:00:00.000Z
End: 2014-07-21T00:00:00.000Z
Location: Ellinger-Kunz Funeral Home & Springfield Crematory

Patricia "Grandma" Ritz

SPRINGFIELD, IL - Patricia "Grandma" Ritz, 79, died Friday, July 18, 2014, at Memorial Medical Center.

Patricia was born Jan. 29, 1935, in Galliatois, Ohio, the daughter of Lawson B. and Norah Humphrey Higgins. She married Raymond L. Ritz on Dec. 16, 1951, in Macon, Ga.; he preceded her in death on Sept. 28, 2013.

She was a homemaker and enjoyed crafts, fishing and spending time with her kids and grandkids. She enjoyed meeting people from Ritz Lil Fryer. She was a member of Eastview Baptist Church.

She was also preceded in death by her parents and daughter, Debra L. Ritz-Mansmith.

She is survived by three sons: Leland (Cindy) Ritz, Jeffrey A. Ritz and Curtis L. (Vicky) Ritz; one daughter, Cheryl A. (Ray) Scroggins; 14 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.

There will be a memorial gathering from 6 p.m. until the time of the memorial service at 7 p.m. on Sunday, July 20, 2014, at Ellinger-Kunz & Park Funeral Home with Pastor Stacy Barnett officiating. Burial will be at a later date at Camp Butler National Cemetery.

Ellinger-Kunz & Park Funeral Home, 530 N. 5th St., Springfield, IL 62702 is in charge of arrangements. Visit our online obituary at www.ellingerkunzfuneralhome.com.

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

Published by The State Journal-Register from Jul. 19 to Jul. 20, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Patricia RITZ

Sponsored by Ellinger-Kunz Funeral Home & Springfield Crematory.

8 Entries

Nancy Baldwin

July 20, 2016

So sorry for your loss Cherie and family, she is going home, and she will hold many memories for you all. I know its hard to lose the ones who we love. Love ya and if you need anything know I will always be there for you, Love Nancy

Michele Borski Waters

July 21, 2014

Cheryl and family I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your mom. She was a sweet lady whom I got to know some from our church. I am praying for God's blessing and peace to comfort your family in your time of sorrow and loss. In God's love,Michele

Kimmy Purcell

July 20, 2014

Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts. Keeping the Ritz family in my thoughts and prayers! Love, Kimmy

July 20, 2014

Curt,Vicky,and family, our prayers and thoughts are with yall at this time of sorrow. We feel so blessed to have known both of your parents. They are back together, again, watching over everyone. And you know Mama Ritz will be with yall, all you have to do is look up an see her an Papa Ritz. Forever in our hearts. Love Tom and Kathy

Jacob Ritz

July 20, 2014

I read that poem that was left and it brings tears to my eyes but it reminds me so much of grandma ... She will be missed greatly but I know she's in a better place ... We love you grandma

cindy bounds

July 19, 2014

Curt and family. So sorry for the loss of your Mom. I have many found memories of her.

Cindy ( Peters) Bounds

You Will Be Greatly Missed... Love, Lynn & Gary Bisby

July 19, 2014

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
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