Phyllis Wavelene "Bantz" Ritter

Phyllis Wavelene (Bantz) Ritter, 94, of Dunkirk, IN, passed peacefully in her sleep, on Monday, March 2, 2026. Phyllis was born in Millgrove, IN, on November 24, 1931, a daughter of the late Edith May (Goodyear) and Ralph S. Bantz. She was a 1950 graduate of Dunkirk High School, a devoted homemaker and the loving wife of the late Clarence Alfred Ritter who she happily married on October 11, 1957, and sadly lost on May 17, 2014. Phyllis was a former member of the Dunkirk American Legion Auxiliary Post 227. She loved reading, going out to eat, looking for antiques, traveling, and spending time with her husband. Phyllis loved life, all that it had to offer and will forever be remembered for her smile and eternally happy spirit. She is survived by a daughter, Julie Haney, a brother, Terry Ray Bantz (Drema), a nephew, Brian Watson (Rhonda Larsen), a niece Susan Harmeyer and several extended family members. Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, husband Clarence, an infant son, Ken Allen Ritter in 1959, a sister Sharon Watson, and a son in law, Randy Haney. Visitation will be held on Friday, March 6, 2026, from 11 AM to 1 PM at MJS Mortuaries - Dunkirk Chapel. Funeral services will follow at 1 PM with Pastor Joe Hines officiating. Burial will be held in Black Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association or the American Heart Association. Arrangements have been entrusted to MJS Mortuaries - Dunkirk Chapel.