Kenneth Webster Ritter

Kenneth Webster Ritter, 89 of Higginsville, died Monday, March 4, 2013, surrounded by his loving and grateful family, at St. Mary's Hospital in Blue Springs. He was born November 26, 1923 to Webster Gus Ritter and Eleanor Hannah (Woestemeyer) Ritter on the century family farm north of Higginsville (Dover Road F). Kenneth attended Webb country school and graduated in 1941 from Higginsville High School. Kenneth was a farmer his entire life. He served in the Army during World War II, stationed in Italy. Kenneth and Jean Knipmeyer were united in marriage on August 18, 1950 and resided on the family farm. Kenneth was a 75+ year member of Grace United Methodist Church in Higginsville. He was also an active member and past president of the Higginsville Optimist Club, Missouri Farm Bureau, Higginsville American Legion Post 223 and Methodist Men. Kenneth was preceded in death by his son, James Kenneth Ritter (July 4, 1972) and his wife Jean (November 15, 1999). Survivors include one daughter, Marcia Jean Ritter of Lee's Summit and one son, Dwight Kent (Brenda) Ritter of Higginsville; four grandchildren, Austin (Monica) Ritter, Ashlynn (Kevin Sowers, Megan (Courtland) Mills of Denver, and Jessica Ritter; one step granddaughter Kristen Jackson of New Braunfels, TX; four great-grandchildren, Ethan and Sydney Ritter, Lyra Edwards and Greelee Sowers; and two step grandchildren, Enoch and Eden Jackson; and his special cousin, Marilyn Farmer of Carrollton. Visitation will be Friday, March 8, 2013 from 9:00-10:30 A.M. at Grace United Methodist Church. The "Celebration of Life" service will follow the visitation with Rev. Kyle Evans officiating, Rev. Tim Biesemeyer assisting and Sharon Pragman as organist. Burial will be in the Higginsille City Cemetery with full military honors. The family suggests memorials to the Grace United Methodist Church and the Higginsville Optimist Club. Casketbearers are Dale Ritter, Jim Urfer, George Meinershagen, Paul Cowherd, Mark Perrine & Don Hurd. Honorary pallbearers are Jim Lieser, Jim Perrine, Dale Replogle, H. H. Robertson, Bob Jarman & Gerald Ritter. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.hoeferfuneralhome.com