Marcella Dee Ritter

Marcella Dee (Ledeker) Ritter, 75, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa (formerly of Belle Plaine, Iowa) passed away Nov. 30, 2022, at her home. Dee was born Nov. 17, 1947, to Ray W. and Velma Jane (Peavler) Ledeker at her grandmother’s home in Le Roy, Ill. Settling in rural Masonville, Iowa, with her family, she graduated from West Delaware High School in 1965. While working at the Dairy Queen in Manchester, Iowa, she met Thomas F. Ritter, the couple were married on May 21, 1965. Together they settled in Hiawatha, Iowa. Dee worked several years in banking, manufacturing, and transportation. In the mid-’80s Dee and Tom began Ritter Trucking which brought them to Belle Plaine, Iowa. Dee worked dispatch and organized the business. Dee also operated an agency for Landstar. In total she worked 40 years in the transportation industry as an independent freight agent, and loved every minute of it. When Dee was not working, she enjoyed boating, gardening, flowers, landscaping, and bowling. Most of all she loved spending time with grandchildren and her pets. She is survived by her husband, Tom of Cedar Rapids; children, Mickie (Jim) Williams of Coggan, Tommy (Julie Stone) Ritter of Shellsburg, Nickcole (Matt) Dejoode of Belle Plaine, Timothy Ritter of Des Moines; nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; siblings, Leslie (Sharyn) Ledeker, Joann Ledeker; and beloved dog, Lucy. Dee was preceded in death by her parents; grandchildren, Christopher Stone, and Tommy J. Ritter; infant daughter, Tammy; and stepfather, Herbert Hussemann. Celebration of Life will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022, at the Belle Plaine Country Club, Belle Plaine, Iowa. Private family burial will take place at Fairview Cemetery, Earlville, Iowa, on a later date. Memorials may be directed to the family. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.neuhausfuneralservice.com.