Russell [James] Ritz, son of John U. and Elizabeth Demuth Ritz, was born July 23, 1888, in Davis County, Iowa. Death came for him Monday, August 27, 1973, at his home, after a long illness at the age of 85 years. A life-long resident of Davis County, he moved to Bloomfield in 1957.

August 25, 1915, he was married to Ruby Pottorff at Bloomfield, Iowa. To this union four daughters and one son were born.

He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant son, three brothers and three sisters.

Those left to revere his memory are his widow, four daughters; Elizabeth Garrett of Downing, Missouri; Rachel Waterman of Burlington, Iowa; Patricia McClure and Barbara Hoskin of Bloomfield, Iowa, three sisters: Bertha Matt, Lydia Carroll and Freda Porter all of Bloomfield, Iowa, eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Thursday, August 30, 1973 at the Wagler Funeral Home, Bloomfield, Iowa, conducted by the Rev. Robert Allen. Interment was in the Rouch Cemetery, Davis County, Iowa.

Ottumwa Courier, August 1973