George Harlan Ritter Jr.

George Harlan Ritter, Jr.

George Harlan Ritter, Jr of Spokane Valley, Washington passed away on September 22, 2007. He was born January 3, 1923 in Spokane, Washington to parents George and Margaret Ritter.
He grew up in Pasco, Washington graduating from Pasco High in 1941. Among his fondest memories were violin ensembles and competitions, performing in the Walla Walla Symphony Orchestra and the Pasco Drum and Bugle Corp. He was Washington State Drum Major Champion for three years and while attending WSU was the lead Drum Major for the WSU Marching Band. He joined the US Coast Guard in 1942 serving as a Radioman aboard the USS General Black in the Atlantic and at Guadacanal.
Harlan married Elaine Terrell Wolcott in 1943 and they were married for 47 years until her death in 1990. In 1947 he was commissioned into the Washington State Patrol and served a 30-year career in law enforcement in Pasco, Prosser, Yakima, North Seattle/Edmonds, Sunnyside and Everett, WA until his retirement as Lieutenant. After retiring from the State Patrol he worked several years for the Bank of Everett and then worked for a time as a Deputy Coroner for Benton County. During his retirement years he spent time in Arizona, enjoyed gardening, feeding the birds, visiting his children in the Puget Sound area, and watching the UW Huskies, Gonzaga Bulldogs and WSU Cougars on TV.
Harlan was a Lifetime Member of Masonic Lodge #226, Selah, Washington.
He is survived by his loving companion of 13 years, Mary Ellen Weberg, of Spokane Valley; his son, Dick Ritter (Sue), of Gig Harbor, WA; son, Monte Ritter, of Bellevue, WA; daughter, Pat Meyer, of Everett; grandchildren, Becky Tilbury, Debbie Picard, Lisa Smith , David Ritter, Todd Schultz, Brian Ritter, and Stefanie Buell; 12 great-grandchildren; sister, Vera Pepich Owen, of California; and numerous nieces and nephews.
His wife, Elaine; and grandson, Marc preceded him in death; as did both his parents; his sister, Edna; and brothers, Herb and Howard.
A Graveside Service will be held at 2 p.m., October 27, 2007, at City View Cemetary, Pasco, Washington.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Franklin County Historical Society Endowment Fund (PHS 1941 Graduating Class) 305 North 4th Avenue, Pasco, Washington 99301.
Dad – you have served your country, your community and your family well.
May you rest in Peace!