Mary Carmen Ritter

Mary Carmen – “Carmie” was born on November 7, 1928 to William and Valeria Kraus in Keokuk, Iowa. She entered the world with her instant best friend, her twin sister, Mary Constance.

They joined siblings William, Anne, Carroll, Joe & Gerald. Carmie & Connie were raised in Iowa and graduated nursing school together in Davenport, IA.

On August 6, 1977, Carmie married her husband, Dr. John W. Ritter (who passed away on January 5, 2023). Together, they raised a beautiful, blended family of 8 children; 6 boys and 2 girls.

Carmie enjoyed golfing, swimming, traveling with John and family (Mexico, Austria, Hungary, Italy, Prague, Australia to name a few) and all throughout the United States visiting children and grandchildren in Alaska, Montana, Texas and Florida. There were many times she’d babysit grandchildren so that adult children could get away for a short vacation. There were many times when the children and grandchildren would also visit her.

Carmie and John also enjoyed attending Opera Balls especially in Vienna, dancing the night and then off to the Sacher Hotel for refreshments. Being adventurous they attended the Viennese Opera Ball on the night of December 31st 1999 when the world was unsure of how January 1st 2000 (Y2K) was going to affect the world economies and them without a worry. They also attended several Operas in Houston, Texas. The last Opera was “Carmen” which they were able to attend on Carmie’s 93th Birthday, along with Bill & Merry.

Carmie was an active member of PEO (Philanthropic Educational Organization) since 1964. PEO celebrates and encourages women through scholarships, grants, awards and stewardship. She also served as President of PEO in her local chapter in San Dimas, California. She worked full time as an OR Nurse Supervisor for many years.

Her big heart, generosity and kindness she’s shown to others will always be with us.

Mary Carmen Ritter went to her eternal life peacefully to Her Father in Heaven at home on the morning of September 10th, 2023. “The Energizer Bunny” that we all used to describe her as, finally is at rest and peace (maybe on recharge).

She is preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, Dr. John W. Ritter, her sisters Connie & Anne, brothers William, Carroll, Gerald & Joe and son, Michael Ritter.

Carmie is survived by the families of her 4 children: William G. Sewell (Merry) of Waller, Texas; Brian Q. Sewell of Billings, Montana, Bradley J. Sewell (Susan) of Anchorage, Alaska and Jesse B. Sewell (Robin) of Hobe Sound, Florida. Children: William Ritter (Lori) of Portland, Oregon, Elisabeth Ritter Hardy (Chris) of Beaverton, Oregon and Barbara Ritter Theroux (Paul) of Long Beach, California.

Carmie was blessed with 13 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren and another great-great due in March, 2024. So, life goes on and we will forever be bound together by the love Carmie has shown to us all through the years.

Carmie will be interred in the Riverside National Cemetery on October 10th 2023 at 1:30 p.m., next to John Ritter. Family will gather for a small memorial at Acheson & Graham Garden of Prayer Mortuary in Riverside, California on October 25th from 1-3 p.m., arrangements will be made through the Dignity Funeral home.

A memorial service for Mary will be held Wednesday, October 25, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Acheson & Graham Garden of Prayer Mortuary, 7944 Magnolia Ave, Riverside, CA 92504.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.AchesonandGraham.com for the Ritter family.