Robert Ritter

Robert Joseph Ritter, 77, died Tuesday, September 9, 2009 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Mo. He was born in Hardin on Dec. 5, 1931, one of four children born to Joseph Adam & Esther Fay (Taviner) Ritter. The Ritter family moved to Jerseyville in 1935, and Bob has been a Jerseyville resident since.  He graduated in 1949 from Jersey Community High School, and entered the U.S. Air Force in 1952.  He served during the Korean War, and was honorably discharged on June 4, 1956. After returning home and the untimely death of his father on July 4, 1956, Bob began working at the family business, Jersey County Motors, and soon thereafter acquired the business along with his brother Barry operating in the Jersey County community for many years.  He also ran the Westlake Country Club Pro Shop for a few years.  He was an accomplished golfer and enjoyed playing cards with his buddies at the club as well. He was a former Presdient of the Missouri-Illinois Dodge Dealers Advertising Association, a member of the American Legion Post 492, Knights of Columbus, and the Elks Lodge, of which he had served as a past exalted ruler. He married the former Betty J. Skinner on Dec. 1, 1951 at the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Jerseyville, and together they have been blessed with nearly 58 years together and four wonderful daughters. Surviving are his wife, Betty; his mother, Esther Ritter of Jerseyville; four daughters and sons in law, Pamela Huff of East Moline, Patricia Ritter of Minooka, Penny & Joseph Iantria and Polly & John Rutter all of Naperville; four grandchildren, Breanna & Broc Rutter and Jaclyn & Nicholas Iantria; two brothers & sisters in law, Barry & Virginia Ritter of Jerseyville, and Michael & Mary Ann Ritter of Murfressboro, Tn.; a sister & brother in law, Margie & Fred Walther of Murfreesboro, Tn. He was preceded in death by his father, and a son in law, Ronald Huff. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville, where a rosary will be recited at 3:45 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will take place at 10 a.m. Friday at the Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Jerseyville, with Father William Hembrow officiating. Burial will be in the St. Francis Xavier Cemetery in Jerseyville, where the Jerseyville American Legion Post 492 will conduct military graveside rites. Memorials may be given to Masses, St. Francis/Holy Ghost Catholic Schools, Jerseyville Public Library or to the Catholic Charities of Springfield.

Obit Provided By:
Crawford Funeral Home