Herbert J. Ritter

Herbert J. Ritter, 93, of Evansville, passed away Monday, May 9, 2011, at Heritage Center. He was born July 28, 1917, in Springfield, MO. He was a veteran of the US Army, serving in WWII. He started his working career in the grocery business with his brother operating Ritter Brothers Grocery and later joined Capitol Paper Company, where he retired after many years of service. He enjoyed woodworking and spending time with family at Barkley Lake. He was a regular blood donor for many years for the American Red Cross. Herbert was a 50 year member of Reed Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite and Hadi Shrine. He was also a member of the Royal Order of Jesters, Hadi Drum & Bugle Corp, 34th Select Group, Coast Guard Auxiliary, Kentucky Colonels, Evansville Kennel Club and Methodist Temple. He was preceded in death by his first wife of 61 years, Huldah Ritter; daughter, Pam Willhite; parents, George and Ida (Schaber) Ritter; brother, Richard Ritter; and sister, Pauline Eble. Herbert is survived by his wife of ten years, Bernice (Rudolph) Ritter; son, Mark Ritter (Susan), both of Evansville; granddaughters, Sara Evanczyk (Ryan) of Frisco, CO and Kara Nichols (Brad) of Evansville; grandsons, Adam Ritter (Emily) of Fishers, IN and Russ Willhite of Indianapolis; great-grandsons, Charlie Ritter and Mack Nichols; son-in-law, Larry Willhite of Breckinridge, CO; nieces and nephews; stepson, Steve Rudolph; and stepdaughters, Dona Bennett, both of Evansville, and Debbie Dendinger of Parkland, FL. Services will be 10:00 AM Thursday, May 12, 2011, at Alexander East Chapel, officiated by Rev. Chris Neikirk, with entombment in Oak Hill Cemetery. Friends may visit Wednesday from 3:00 to 8:00 PM at the funeral home, with a Masonic Service at 7:00 PM conducted by Evansville Reed Lodge. The family would like to thank the staff at Heritage Center for their care and kindness. Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children, PO Box 1, Evansville, IN 47701.