Mildred Genevieve Ritz, 98, passed to Eternal Life at 6:15 p.m. January 28, 2017, while a resident at Delmar Gardens in O’Fallon, Missouri. Born in Newton, Illinois on December 30, 1918, she was the youngest child of William and Dora Staley six children, she was preceded in death by her siblings: Edgar, Freda, Dorothy, Agnes and Ruth.
Mildred and Jerome Ritz were married on April 7, 1937, a union that lasted nearly 63 years until Jerome preceded her in death in 2000. They were blessed with four children: Larry (Janet) Ritz of Texas, Shelia (Lee) Chapple of Missouri, Linda (Carl Gilman) Ritz of California and Rick (Kathy) Ritz of Illinois. In addition to her children Mildred is survived by eight grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.
For most of their married life, Mildred and Jerome worked side-by-side on their farm near Dwight, Illinois. They retired in 1975 and moved to Hot Springs, Arkansas. In 2003, Mildred moved to the St. Louis, Missouri area due to health concerns.
Once the “prettiest baby of Jasper County Illinois”, Mildred grew up to love her Arkansas wine and enjoyed many years as an avid bowler, winning several awards and tournaments and averaging 185 in her early 60’s. There was always a collection of chickens of many forms ranging from a wall tapestry, dishes, blankets, porcelain and others; everything in her house was “chicken.” Mildred also dearly loved Chicago Cubs Baseball, and was able to celebrate their World Series Win after waiting her entire lifetime! She also enjoyed playing Euchre with friends and family whenever she could.
As a devout and religious woman the family suggests memorials in Mildred’s name be made, in lieu of flowers, to Marianist Missions or Catholic Charities.
Memorials be made to the
Marianist Mission or
Catholic Charities.