Ronald H. Ritter, 89, passed away peacefully on September 30, 2025, in Largo, Florida. Born on November 16, 1935, in St Louis, Missouri, to Arthur H. and Violet (McLean) Ritter.

Ron graduated Ferguson High School and went on to study at North Western Missouri State. He enlisted in the military service where he proudly served almost 3 years in the Army in the territory of Alaska before returning to St. Louis. He later served in the Naval Reserve. It was in St. Louis that he met the love of his life, Mary Thiery in 1961 at Boyd’s Department Store, to whom he was married for more than 64 years. Together, they built a family that became his greatest source of joy.

A man of many vocations, Ron enjoyed every job he held throughout his diverse career. From his early days as a clerk at Southwestern Freight and Ford Motor Credit to his time in carpet sales at Tile Town Carpet City, or working as a blackjack dealer at Harrah’s Casino, he embraced each new opportunity with the making of new friends.

Ron had a joyful, easygoing personality. He loved listening to musicals like Oklahoma and Country Music like Patsy Cline and even some Rock and Roll like the Bee Gees, always singing along. He was an avid reader and loved watching movies, a trait he passed on to his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed watching his favorite TV shows, mostly murder mysteries like the Rockford Files. He had a sweet tooth and a special fondness for anything chocolate. When asked how he was feeling, he would always reply "never better" or "just terrific". Those who knew him always understood his noticeable arm twitches to be signs of his happiness and pride. He was a lifelong St. Louis Cardinal Baseball Fan and as a young boy he was a member of the hole in the wall gang that got to watch the Cardinals at Sportsman Park.

Above all, Ron’s life was defined by his family. He was a loving husband, devoted father, and proud grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great grandfather. His memory will be cherished and kept alive by those who loved him.

Ron is survived by his beloved wife, Mary; his five children, Retired Colonel Corinne Ritter, Ronald (Jeannie) Ritter, Glenn (Anne) Ritter, Retired Lt. Colonel Scott (Lisa) Ritter, and Karen Ritter; and his brothers, Arthur “Kirk” (Leah) Ritter and Robert Ritter. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Stephanie (Nick) Verseman, Michael Briere, Kurtis Briere, Andrew (Kelsey) Ritter, Cameron Ritter, Zachary (Tori) Ritter, Dr. Hanna Ritter, Angel Heller, Billie Bernat, and Edley “Beau” (Kimberley) Kirkpatrick. His legacy extends to his great-grandchildren, Ethan (Amber) Verseman, Jakob (Kaytlin) Verseman, and Milo Ritter, as well as his great-great-grandchildren, Sophia Verseman and a baby boy Verseman expected in November, and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur H. and Violet Ritter; his sister-in-law, Diane Ritter; and his great-grandson, Erik Verseman.

A celebration of life is being planned in St Charles, MO on October 12, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Ron's memory to the American Parkinson Disease Association.

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