Martha Carrie Rittelmeyer

Martha Carrie Rittelmeyer, 26, died on November 16, 2015, of complications from NBIA, a degenerative brain disorder. Born May 8, 1989 in Jackson, MS, Martha moved to North Carolina with her family soon thereafter and spent her entire life in the Raleigh area. Martha passed away surrounded and being held by people she loved and who loved her – a peaceful and beautiful conclusion to an extraordinary life.

The lives of those with disabilities are too often regarded with a sense of pity; most people wrongfully believing that their disabling conditions limit both their emotional fulfillment and their enjoyment of life. Martha defied that stereotype, living a life that was rich in activities, experiences and friendships. Most important, Martha lived a life that was filled with love. Although Martha never acquired language skills, she had an enormous capacity to relate to others on a personal and emotional level. Those who were fortunate enough to know Martha were rewarded with a beaming, joyful and innocent presence.

Martha showed incomparable courage in facing the debilitating effects of her illness – doing her best to remain cheerful even as her symptoms became unbearably painful. The family extends its thanks to the many family and friends who visited Martha in the past few months. The outpouring of love and support shown to Martha and her family is a testament to the lifetime of joy that she shared with others.

There are many people who assisted Martha in navigating her wonderful life. Principal among them were her “second parents,” Macarthur and Clora Webb, who tenderly loved and cared for Martha to the very end as if she were their own daughter, and Martha's “best friend in the whole world,” Ann Harrell, who acted as a guide for Martha on countless adventures in the community.

Surviving Martha are her parents, John and Jennifer Rittelmeyer of Cary; a sister, Helen Andrews (Tim) of Sydney, Australia; her maternal grandparents, Joan Keyser of Charlottesville, Virginia, and Rob Weedon of Cary, NC; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Homegoing service for Martha Carrie Rittelmeyer--an angel gone home--will be Thursday, Nov. 19, at 11:00am, at New Bethel Christian Church, 4307 Old Poole Road, Raleigh, NC 27610, Pastor Tracy Bell will officiate. Repast immediately following at the church dining hall. Funeral arrangements by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 200 SE Maynard Road, Cary NC 27511. (919) 467-8108.

Floral tributes may be sent to the funeral home or memorial contributions in Martha’s name may be made to Kids Together Inc., a playground accessible to children of all abilities, at P.O. Box 1622 Cary, NC 27512-1622 or donate online at www.kidstogethercary.org/HowToHelp.htm.

www.brownwynnecary.com.