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Ilona Rittler Obituary
Ilona A. RITTLER Ilona A. Rittler, internationally renown artist and long time Bellevue, WA resident passed away on December 31, 2011 at the age of 93. Born in Hungary, she came from a family where art was handed down through generations and cherished by all. Ilona was the last of five sisters, all acclaimed painters and sculptors with their own individual styles. Her talent became apparent at an early age, by age 14 she was already an accomplished painter. After completing her formal academic and fine arts education in pre World War II Europe, Ilona continued to study under various painters of the time in Budapest, Salzburg and Rome. She established and operated the Exhibitors Gallery and Ilona Rittler School of Fine Arts on Main Street in Bellevue for over 50 years, actively teaching and painting until she passed away at age 93. Painting was Ilona's life and it gave her joy to share her inner creative fire with others. In her School, spanning over a half century, Ilona and her staff taught thousands of students both professionals and amateurs of all ages, thus her passion became their passion. She was a major force in promoting art through art exhibits, judging, lecturing and sponsoring promising artists. Ilona was a master of all media. Her paintings, spanning three quarters of a century, are repre sented in private and public collections throughout the world. She adored the beauty and the rich heritage of the Pacific North west. The painting excursions, hiking, skiing, kayaking, visiting the Cougar Mountain Zoo, antique shopping and other adventures with her dear friends gave her joy and strength. To commemorate her talent, love of art and compassion for the natural world, the Magic Forest exhibit at the Cougar Mountain Zoo in Issaquah has been named in her honor. Ilona Rittler's inner fire, incredi ble talent, exceptional life and great accomplishments give all of us who have known and loved her inspiration and strength to travel the highway of life. Sign Ilona's online guestbook at www.legacy.com/seattletimesTo plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ilona Rittler
Sponsored by Susie Sarrafan Masters, with love and gratitude from your student..
Anita Brennan
March 5, 2013
I met Ilona in 1962. Previlaged to study with her. She showed me a creative attitude and to see into the shadows, in painting and in life. Thanks always in all ways. Love A
Marla Gjording
September 18, 2012
I was so privileged to get to study and paint under Ilona's expert guidance. She had a marvelous way of bringing out an individual's unique talent... I spent many happy hours painting under her care...What an inspiration she was to all of those who loved her.
Feryal Sais
June 18, 2012
I was deeply saddened by Ilona's death, my teacher for more than seven years and my friend ever since, we shared so much...
I feel richer for knowing Ilona, the extraordinary woman who left her mark in my heart, my paintings and my thoughts, she will be remembered with love and pride.
Please accept my deepest sympathy on your loss. You have my heartfelt condolences.
Keri Thompson
June 15, 2012
I was fortunate to know Ilona and attend her classes for a few years. She gave me the everlasting gift of creating art and I feel so lucky to have known her. I will always appreciate her spirit and graciousness.
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Veena Nayak
May 18, 2012
Ilona was an amazing person. I only had the opportunity to take classes from her for a few months in 2010, soon after moving to Bellevue. She truly cared about her students, and had a passion for life lacking in many people a third of her age. She was inspirational, and will be missed.
Veena (Bellevue, WA)
Diane Goodnight
May 5, 2012
I was extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Ilona. She was my art teacher from the time that I was a young teenager until my late twenties. I count it my privilege to have known her. She was has been my mentor and inspiration. I thought of her often through the years. Ilona has had such a profound influence on my life. Her passion and zeal for life was infectious. She was much loved by everyone who knew her. She will be forever missed.
Becky Goodenough
May 5, 2012
5/6/12
I will always remember not only the painting instructions, but also the life lessons she would try to teach me as I was painting.
What a wonderful person!
Becky and Gene Goodenough
May 3, 2012
Ilona was my wife Mary's teacher, mentor and friend for 40 years. Mary would go to her studio at least once a week to work on her oils and help teach others. Ilona's inspiration spread to my entire family and many friends who now have beautiful paintings that Mary created. Ilona and her kind soul will always exist with us and through Mary's paintings inspire our future generations to appreciate and create beautiful art.
Talby Gelb
April 29, 2012
My dad, who passed away in late December, 2010 at the age of 88, took art classes from Ilona for several years after my mother passed away. Those were his best paintings! Ilona even attended his 80th birthday party! She was the most beautiful lady with such an amazing talent! She will be missed by all who knew her!
Mike Schwagler
April 19, 2012
Ilona was the angel who walked into my life three years ago and rekindled my flame and passion for oil painting. I'll miss her dearly...
My love and prayers go out to her and her family.
Bernie McNabb Rush
April 6, 2012
What a beautiful life! What a contribution to this world!
My heart goes out to her family.
April 6, 2012
With love and prayers from;
Robert and Priscilla Mitchell and family.
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