Carol Ann Ritz

Carol Ann (Middlebush) Ritz went to be with her Lord and Savior peacefully, while surrounded by family, on April 1, 2023. She was born to Gertrude and LaBart Middlebush September 21, 1935. She was the oldest of six children raised by her mother. Norma Potter, Keith (Cindy) Middlebush, Jane (Dick) Spayde survive her. Bart and Mary preceded her in death.

Carol graduated from Byron Center High School in 1953 and went on to get her teaching degree from Western Michigan University, eventually earning her master’s degree. She attended St. Paul Lutheran Church all her life and that is where she met her husband, Wayne. Wayne and Carol married June 14, 1957. Wayne preceded her in death in 2008. God blessed them with four wonderful daughters Debra Merchant, Cheryl Ritz, Missy (Richard) Johnson, and Jennifer (Angel) Ritz. She was blessed with six grandchildren Nicole (Nate) Cardosa, Jessica (Nikki) Merchant, Brittini (Abby) Merchant, Macy (Hilarie) Merchant, Keagan (Emma) Ritz-Smith, and Mallory Johnson. She was also blessed with four great-grandchildren Raegan and Landen Cardosa, and Madison and Callie Huschke. Survived by brother-in-law, Ken and Judy Ritz. She will also be deeply missed by her caregiver and friend, Rose Longstreet; along with an abundance of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

While she attended St. Paul Lutheran, she was an organist for 50 years, past president and member of LWML, choir member and director, and member of many other groups.

She taught school in a one-room schoolhouse - and then in Wayland Union Schools and Byron Center Schools for many years. Wayne and Carol opened the Ritz Farm Market, where they held school tours, and made cider and Carol’s famous donuts.

She was a member of Farm Bureau, Moline Centennial team, Moline Garden Club, Moline Softball Association, Moline Mothers Club, Wayland Athletics Boosters, and Red Hats. She also participated in the Wayland Civic Theatre. Carol’s favorite hobbies included attending church, attending her grandchildren’s sporting events, attending breakfast with her breakfast group, and playing mahjong and cards with family and friends.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Monday, April 10, 2023 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 8436 Kraft Ave. SE, Caledonia, with visitation from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to the service. Carol will be laid to rest at Hooker Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. Sunday, April 9, 2023 at St. Paul Lutheran Church. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church or Moline Softball Association. The family welcomes memories and messages in their guest book online at www.kubiakcookwayland.com.