Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1940
DIED
2020
Ruth Ritter Obituary
1940 ~ 2020
Ruth Ann Mathews Ritter, 80, passed away in her home in Millcreek, Utah on
October 13, 2020. She was born in Salt Lake City, Utah to Fred Taylor Mathews and Ruth Wilson Chamberlin Mathews. On August 12, 1961 she married John Russel Ritter with whom she shared her life until his death in 2008. She is survived by her daughters Penny and Susie, and her granddaughter Wendy. She was a woman of strength, compassion, and curiosity who will be missed very much. She often quoted her favorite poet, Rumi.
"Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing
and right doing, there is a field.
I'll meet you there.
When the soul lies down in that grass,
the world is too full to talk about."
Rumi
We believe she has found that place. Ruth Ann will be laid to rest at Mount Olivet Cemetery and requested that there be no funeral service. To honor her memory and what she believed in, please donate to a cause that you believe in and vote in the upcoming election.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ruth Ritter
Shellie Haymond
October 12, 2023
Penny and Susie,
I lost my mom in April 2023. I decided to take a little trip this last summer and ended up at the Ritter Farm in July. What a flood of memories! I was not able to enter the residence but was able to walk the grounds and the old barn. It was wonderful!!!! I so appreciate the time I was able to spend there as a young child and miss all the relationships built with you both, the Varley´s, and Mathew Huish. Hope you both are doing well. I would love to see you guys.
Shellie Haymond.
Job´s Daughters
January 26, 2023
I also wanted to say that the Rumi Poem is one if my favorites too. I absolutely hope that is where she is. Sending my love
StaceyFrancone
Stacey Francone
January 26, 2023
Penny and Susie I was thinking about you the other day and came upon your beautiful mom´s obituary. I see your dad has also passed. I remember your parents to be funny and kind. When I picture them they are smiling. My heart goes out to both of you.
Tasha Mendenhall
October 19, 2020
What a beautiful woman. She meant so much to me when I was younger. Always so kind to me and always feeling her support. I'm so sorry to hear of her passing. But I'm honored to have known her and loved her and been loved by her. Sending Penny and Susie all my love.
Linda V Hawes
October 19, 2020
I remember Ruth Ann as a fun welcoming person. Loved going over to hang out or help Kim babysit. I remember her laugh it was great and she used it often. Hope you all find peace in the memories. Linda Hawes
Jo Starks
October 18, 2020
This was such sad news to learn today. Such an incredible loss. I remember when Ruth was Guardian of Betel One. I loved her gruff voice and sense of humor. I am so sorry for your loss.
Rick Morris
October 18, 2020
My condolences to the family
I enjoyed knowing Ruth as a class mate at East high school
Sundee Listello
October 18, 2020
I had the really great pleasure of working with Ruth Ann at Upland Terrace Elementary. Serving as the school lunch secretary, she made sure all students could buy lunch even it meant that she’d open her desk drawer and pull out some money for them. She kept us chuckling all day long with her quiet comments about everything! RIP Ruth Ann.
Shellie Haymond
October 18, 2020
I often remember Ruth Ann meditating. I’m sure that helped her to become the kind and caring person that she was. I will never forget my youthful years spent at the Ritter Farm on the Snake River in Idaho. They are some of my most cherished experiences! She will be greatly missed!!! To Penny an Susie, my thoughts and prayers are with you! Shellie Haymond
Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results
Make a Donation
in Ruth Ritter's name
Memorial Events
for Ruth Ritter
How to support Ruth's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Ruth Ritter's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
