RITZ, Charles A. - b. July 23, 1913 - d. February 25, 2008

[patyrn]

Charles A. Ritz, age 94, of Howard, Kansas, passed away Monday, February 25, 2008, at the Catholic Care Ceter in BelAire, Kansas.  Charles was born on July 23, 1913 in Blaine County,  Oklahoma, the son of Benjamin and Rose (Cook) Ritz.

Mr. Ritz was a graduate of Okeene High School in Okeene, Oklahoma.  During World War II, Mr. Ritz served his country in the United States Army receiving th Purple Heart and the Silver Star.  On June 6, 1946, Charles Ritz was united in marriage to Rita Mae Luetkemeyer in Enid, Oklahoma.

During his working years, Charles owned and operated the Howard Ice Plant before becoming the Administrator at the Howard Twilight Manor. He was a member of the St. Mary's Catholic Church in Moline, Kansas.  He was also a member of the Howard Lions Club, Howard City Council, and American Legion Carter Rader Post 149.  He was also an active Boy Scout leader, an assistant to Santa Claus, and an avid fisherman.

Mr. Ritz is survived by one son, Doug Ritz of Fredonia, Kansas; two daughters, Wyvonne Bryan of Valley Center, Kansas and Virginia Shirk of Yukon, Oklahoma; two brothers, Gene Ritz of Guthrie, Oklahoma and John Ritz of Yukon, Oklahoma; one sister, Gloria O'Connor of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; 7 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his wife Rita on March 19, 1993;  his parents;  four brothers, Benjamin, Manuel,  Chet, and Louis; and two sisters, Nancy Wilder and Juanita Townsend.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 1, 2008 at the St. Mary's Catholic Church in Molne, Kansas.  Rosary will be recited at 10:15 a.m. Saturday at the church.  Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Friday at Countryside Funeral Home, Fredonia, Kansas.  Interment will be at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

The family suggests contributions to either the St. Mary's Building Fund or Catholic Care Center and may be sent to Countryside Funeral Home, P.O. Box 247, Fredonia, Kansas  66736.  Arrangements are under the direction of Zimmerman Funeral Home, Howard, Kansas.  Online condolences may be sent to www.countrysidefh.com.

(taken from the Countryside Funeral Home website)