Ronald Ralph Ritter

Ronald Ralph Ritter, 90, of Scottsdale, Arizona passed away December 25, 2023, after a short illness. Born May 5, 1933, in South Bend, Indiana to Gerald and Alice (Miller) Ritter, Ron graduated from Washington Clay High School in South Bend, Indiana in 1951 and studied at Indiana University (Bloomington) until 1952. He married his one true love, Mary Jo (Joan) White, on November 20, 1954, at St. Joseph’s Church in South Bend, Indiana. He and Joan built their life and raised their four children in South Bend, Indiana. 

A United States Veteran, Ron enlisted in the Air Force in April of 1953 at the age of 19. He valued the opportunity to serve his country and attained the rank of Airman first class (A1C). During his service, he was deployed to Japan and awarded the National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged in March of 1961 after concluding his service as a member the Air Force Reserve.

Ron began his private sector career as the third generation of Ritter men to work at Ball-Band footwear in Mishawaka, Indiana. His path in sales culminated in serving as a regional sales representative for McCormick & Company, where he spent the majority of his career.  

A talented drummer, Ron loved all art, but especially music.  He played the snare drum in the Air Force Drum and Bugle Core.  He and Joan were also devoted parishioners of Little Flower Catholic Church in South Bend, Indiana.  They served as “parents” for the We Together Singers and volunteered for Cursillo and Marriage Encounter before retiring and moving to Scottsdale, Arizona in 2003. 

Despite his many accomplishments and achievements, Ron will undoubtedly be remembered as a dedicated family man and loyal friend. Ron took pride in being a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.  He brought a glowing smile, an infectious laugh, and a great story (or joke) to every room he entered. 

He is preceded in death by his wife Joan and his sister Jacqueline (Jackie), who were both lost too soon. Ron cared for Joan through her long battle with Alzheimer’s until her death in 2011.  Soulmates, it was only fitting that he chose to leave this Earth and join her on her favorite holiday, Christmas.

He is survived by his children Anne (Jim Ledwith) Madigan, William, Michele (Ernesto) Guerra of Scottsdale, AZ and John (Deborah) of Alpharetta, Georgia; his nine grandchildren Patrick (Ruth) Madigan, Sean (Robynne) Madigan, Megan (Bradley) Opitz, Sioban (Andres Favela) Kerr, Ian (Kyla Harness) Kerr, Allison (Michael) Abbott, Steven Ritter, Christopher Ritter, Anna Ritter, and his nine great-grandchildren Emily, Sofia, Penelope, Lucy, Hollis, Patrick, KJ, Anneli, and Griffin.

A memorial service will be held from 5:00-7:00 P.M. on Thursday, January 11, 2024 at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 East Indian School Road, Phoenix, Arizona. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9:45 A.M., Friday, January 12, 2024 at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 5045 East Thomas Road, Phoenix, Arizona. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions on Ron’s behalf may be sent to Scottsdale Hospice of the Valley, 1510 East Flower Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85014 or to The St. Theresa Parish Scholarship Fund, 5045 East Thomas Road, Phoenix, Arizona, 85018.