Marilyn Joanne Ritter-Harrison

1934 - 2021

Marilyn Joanne (Barnett) Ritter-Harrison
Marilyn Joanne (Barnett) Ritter-Harrison, 87, of Farmingdale, New Jersey (formerly of Midland), died peacefully at home on Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2021, following a short illness.
Lyn was born in the late summer of 1934 to Emery and Mary Barnett of Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania. She was the youngest of seven children. Known as "Teedie" (which stood for "touch down") by her childhood friends and family, Lyn worked locally at Rosalind Candy Castle and as a Bell Telephone operator as a teen.
After graduating from New Brighton High School, she enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed at Eglin AFB in Florida where she met her future husband, TSgt. Richard V. Ritter. Together, they raised three boys in Farmingdale. Along with several other part-time jobs in the 1960s and 70s as a stenographer and keypunch operator, Lyn worked as a secretary at Farmingdale First United Methodist Church in the 1980s. The couple moved to Gordonville, Pennsylvania once they retired and lived there for many happy years. Richard, an AT&T retiree, died in 1999 and Lyn married Roger Harrison of Midland in 2001. They treasured their time together for several years, especially at Roger's cabin on Long Lake near Hillman, Michigan. Roger, a USMC veteran of World War II and Purple Heart recipient, passed away in 2005. Lyn returned to Pennsylvania, and just recently moved back to Farmingdale to be closer to family.
In retirement, Lyn loved to volunteer at local community theaters (Midland Center for the Arts in Midland and American Music Theatre in Lancaster County), the local library and an assisted living facility. In her later years she fostered rescue dogs and enjoyed traveling and spending time with her grandkids and great-grandkids. She was a voracious reader and a formidable Scrabble player who enjoyed knitting, counted cross-stitch, canning and quilting with her Amish friends. Of all the vocations she assumed during her life, caretaker was a preferred term over homemaker. Lyn had a quick wit, loved dancing and music, and displayed a fearless approach to life. She made new friends quickly, was continuously in wonder of how a freckle-faced tomboy from Beaver Falls ended up where she was, but never, ever forgot her roots and humble beginnings, returning often to her hometown. She was a beloved daughter, sister, cousin, wife, mother, aunt, grandma, nana and a dear and close friend to many. A/2C (Airman Second Class) Marilyn Barnett was a fiercely proud Air Force veteran in a military family, loved the ocean, beach, and cabin living, welcomed many into her circle and to her home, and made a lasting impression on everyone she encountered.
Lyn was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, two husbands, a granddaughter and several relatives. She is survived by her three sons, Mark (Reece) Ritter of Georgia, David (Teresa) Ritter of Midland and Stephen (Dawn) Ritter of New Jersey; six grandchildren, Jason Ritter, Jocelyn (Matthew) Cadott, Victoria Ritter, Cammie Lyn (Jacob) Key, Rachel (Timothy) Hufford, and Isaac Padgett Ritter; three great-grandchildren, Colton, Tessa and Riley Cadott; and many dear friends and extended family members.
Per Lyn's wishes, cremation has taken place and a church service was held in Farmingdale for family and friends. In remembrance, the family suggests you donate to the charity of your choice in Lyn's name. Arrangements were made by Clayton-McGirr Funeral Home in Freehold, N.J.