RITZ, Rowene: Died 1975

RITZ, SCOTT, ABERNATHY, LARICHE, RATLIFF, CHANCE, MCGAHEN

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri
Date: 2/20/2019 at 03:01:42

The Record-Republican
Bonaparte, Iowa Thurs., April 3, 1975

ROWENE RITZ

Rowene Ritz, daughter of A.H. and Rata Scott Abernathy, was born September 30, 1929, at Ottumwa and departed this life Saturday, March 29, 1975, at her home in Selma at the age of 45.

Most of her life was spent in the Selma community. She graduated from Selma High School in 1947, and on July 4, 1947, was married to Rex Ritz at Agency. He remains to cherish her memory along with their six sons, Roger and Russell of Des Moines, Raymond of Selma, and Rodney, Richard and Randall all at home. Also surviving are two brothers, Grant Abernathy of Selma and Arden Abernathy of Eldon, four sisters, Mrs. Vontella Lariche and Mrs. Dorothy Ratliff both of Ottumwa, Mrs. Maxine Chance of Eldon and Mrs. Ruth McGahen of Edinboro, Pennsylvania, two grandsons, Brian and Dustin Ritz, other relatives and many friends.

She and her family operated the Ritz Grocery and Service Station in Selma, and she assisted her husband in the Selma Post Office. She was a member of the Pollyannas and a Past Noble Grand of Juanto Rebekah Lodge at Selma, a Past President of John Hyson Reneker Unit American Legion Auxiliary at Douds, and a member of local historical societies.

She will be remembered as a devoted wife and mother, who did her part to make her community a better place in which to live.

Funeral services were held Tuesday April 1, 1975, at 2 p.m. at Pedrick Funeral Home in Douds, with the Rev. Gerald Caughron officiating. Mrs. Keith A. Smith and Mrs. Robert Pedrick were the vocalists. Mrs. Clyde Loomis was the organist. Pall bearers were Richard Spees, Bruce Blackburn, Richard Ludwig, Henry Poos, J.B. Fiedley, and Dale Canady. Interment with Rebekah rites was in Iowaville Cemetery near Selma.

Source: "Slutts Book", Pg. 162, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA