Jo Ellen Ritter

Jo Ellen Ritter, age 93, passed away peacefully on January 15, 2026. She was born in Grafton, West Virginia. Jo Ellen had an active life growing up. She was an excellent drum majorette in High School and had the great opportunity to perform in front of President Harry Truman's family. She later was crowned Miss Grafton, West Virginia before going off to college at Fairmont State Teacher's College.
While attending college and working, she met her husband, Eugene, on a train where they both commuted regularly. They fell in love, tied the knot, and later had two daughters.
Once their children entered into High School, Jo Ellen went to work as an Orthodontist Assistant and retired in 1997.
Living in upper state NY at that time, she and her husband moved to Knoxville, Tennessee to settle in. Jo Ellen and Eugene were married for 65 years.
She enjoyed playing bridge, reading, and being surrounded by her good friends and family. Jo Ellen was a living example of kindness, compassion, integrity, and a huge heart for giving to others.
Jo Ellen was the very caring and dedicated mother of her two daughter, Beverly Gaal (Chris), Karen Ritter, and her four grandchildren, Cory Howe (Madison), Amanda Gaal, Ryan Howe, and Lindsay Gaal – all of whom she loved and touched deeply. She joins her loving husband, Eugene, in heaven.