Nancy J. Ritz

Beloved mother, wife and friend, Nancy Jayne Ritz, 85, of Rockford, Ohio, beheld her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and was reunited with her loved ones early Sunday morning, Dec. 14, 2025, when she passed from this life to the next surrounded by her family at The Ohio State East Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.

She was born on June 30, 1940, in Celina, Ohio, to her parents the late Woodrow W. and Beatrice D. (Vining) Rogers. Nancy grew up on her parents' farm and developed a love for all animals from her father and had many different animals as pets.

Nancy graduated in 1958 from Rockford High School. She was in the last class to ever graduate from Rockford High School before Parkway High School was formed. She was a snare drummer in the band, served as a sports statistician and was part of the Y-teens and Future Teachers of America, among other high school activities. Among her fondest memories in high school were seeing Elvis in concert and a senior class trip to New York City. She went on to earn a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Ohio Northern University in 1962. During college, she was a charter member of the Alpha Xi Delta sorority from which she maintained lifelong friendships.

She married George William Nolte on Christmas Eve of 1961 during their senior year of college. Upon graduation, she began her teaching career at Lima Public Schools. She then taught for five years in the Colonel Crawford school system in Whetstone, North Robinson, and Sulphur Springs elementary buildings. After having her daughter, Amy Rummage, Nancy substitute taught in the Wynford and Buckeye Central school systems from 1968-71. After having her son, Scott Nolte, Nancy then quit teaching and stayed home to raise her children. She remarried Ralph Edwin Ritz on March 30, 1985. She was a substitute teacher at Parkway schools from 1988-2002, teaching K-6, music, art, and physical education. She was part of Snappy Snippers and 4-H for many years. Throughout her life, she owned a total of 13 dogs, loving each one as if she had never had a dog before. Nancy was highly organized and a meticulous planner, even planning her own funeral.

Nancy could be defined by her love for Jesus. She learned about her Savior at an early age from her mother. Her own faith journey began when she attended Grace Fellowship Church in Mansfield, Ohio. As Grace Fellowship grew, she became part of the church-plant, Bucyrus Community Church in Bucyrus, Ohio, where she developed deep friendships. Throughout her life, she either led, or was part of numerous Bible studies, ministries, and outreach efforts. She was an avid reader of Christian books. She wrote down 108 pages of inspirational quotes and Bible verses in a journal for her family to read after her passing "for when you go through troubling times." In her later years, she studied Heaven deeply. She loved worship music and supported missions actively. Most recently, she was a member of The Rockford Belle Community Church.

Throughout her life, Nancy supported the endeavors of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She hosted Fellowship of Christian Athletes at her house many times through her children's high school years. She never missed her children's sporting, school or college events. She was always excited to see her grandchildren's events as well, whether it be a game/competition, equestrian event, band program, recital, play or science fair. She valued education and impressed upon her children and grandchildren the importance of attaining a college degree. When she was unable to attend her grandchildren's college graduations and weddings in person, she excitedly watched them online.

Ralph and Nancy enjoyed the community of Rockford immensely. They enjoyed playing cards among a large group of friends for many years. They went on an Alaskan cruise with friends, traveled to Slovakia, and enjoyed taking the entire family to Cedar Point, the Creation Museum and Pigeon Forge.

Nancy's family would like to extend their thanks to caregivers Yvonne Patch and Peggy Serviss for their wonderful care and kindness; and to Monica and Crystal from Fresenius Kidney Care in Celina for their guidance and dedication to Nancy's health.

On March 30, 2025, she celebrated 40 years of marriage to Ralph Ritz, who survives. Also surviving are a daughter, Amy (Robert) Rummage of Fort Mill, S.C.; a son, Scott (Jennifer) Nolte of St. Joseph; a stepson, Roger (Terri) Ritz of Arcanum, Ohio; 13 grandchildren: Rachelle, Nathan (Karolina), Sarah (Matthew), Daniel, Becca (Michael), Bethany, Eden, David, Brenden, Micah (Maggie), Laynie, Kellie (Ethan) and Kimberly (Jake); and five great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Nancy was preceded in death by her brother, Tom Rogers.

The family will receive friends from 4-6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 21 at Ketcham Ripley Funeral Home, 111 W. First St., Rockford, Ohio 45882. A celebration of Nancy's life will be conducted at 1 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 22 at The Rockford Belle, 135 Market St., Rockford, with Pastor Robert Rummage officiating. Friends may visit with the family beforehand, beginning at noon at the church. Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery, 3133 US Route 33, Rockford. A meal will be provided for funeral attendees at the Rockford Belle Fellowship Hall after burial.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Ketcham Ripley Funeral Home. Online condolences may be shared at www.ketchamripley.com.