Eldon Willard Ritz, 91, passed away at the Willows in Willard, on Monday, April 10, 2023. Eldon was born on February 11, 1932 in the family home to Russell and Norma (Schafer) Ritz.
Eldon graduated in 1950 from Attica High School. On January 23, 1954 he married Marjorie Ann (Murphy). Eldon and Margie farmed Eldon's farm until their retirement.
Eldon was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church where he served in various capacities and on numerous boards. Eldon was a past member of the Moose Lodge and Tri-Star Co-op.
Eldon was an avid hunter of rabbit, pheasant, squirrel, turkey, fox and deer. He was an avid trap shooter. Eldon enjoyed the casinos and traveled to Reno and Las Vegas for many years. He also loved to play cards.
Eldon is survived by his wife, Margie, of 69 years, his children Gwendolyn (Joseph) Wells, Madelyn Hoercher, Benny Ritz and Evelyn (Jeffrey) Phillips. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.
Eldon was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Evonne Lydy and Geraldine Moyer and daughter-in-law Denise Ritz.
Calling hours will be on Wednesday, April 12, 2023 at Secor Funeral Home in Willard, Ohio from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Thursday, April 13, 2023 at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Attica, Ohio from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Attica with Pastor Ed Hunker officiating. Burial will follow at the Attica Venice Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Attica. Online condolences may be made to Eldon's family by visiting www.secorfuneralhomes.com.
Condolences
Cindy Smith - Apr 26, 2023
My sincere condolences to the whole family.
Marge (King) Long - Apr 22, 2023
So sorry, I just heard your dad passed away, thinking of all of you!🙏🙏
LUANNE LARUE - Apr 21, 2023
I am sorry for your loss!
Don Detterman - Apr 19, 2023
So Sorry to see the passing of Eldon. My condolences to the Ritz family. We always enjoyed Eldon & family. Certainly a bright spot in the community
JULIE EHRESMAN BROUGHTON - Apr 18, 2023
MARGE AND FAMILY, SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT ELDON'S PASSING. I WISH I HAD KNOWN ABOUT IT I MIGHT HAVE COME HOME FOR IT.
James and Roxie Young - Apr 14, 2023
We are so sorry for the passing of Eldon. He had a life well lived with Margie and together they raised a wonderful family. All of you are in our thoughts during this sad time.
Jacki Wiles - Apr 13, 2023
So sorry to hear about Eldon. Always enjoyed having coffee with him and Marjorie and the Trimners after church.
Mick O'Brien - Apr 13, 2023
Maddie, Benny and family. Sorry for your loss. Mick O'Brien and family.
Karen Buckingham Fichtelman - Apr 13, 2023
I recognize the Ritz name. When I saw his sister was Evonne Lyly I knew we were related. He sounds like a wonderful person who has been welcomed into his heavenly home. Perhaps we have met. My Mother was Eva Slessman. My brother is Clair Buckingham. Please accept our condolences
Diane & Mike Dellinger - Apr 13, 2023
Our Deepest Sympathy to All the Family. Eldie was one of my favorite guys in the morning coffee group at Cranberry Hills. He will be missed.
Jackie Baker Bachtel - Apr 13, 2023
Sending love and prayers for Margie, Gwen, Madelyn, Benny, Evelyn and families.
Kim Rice - Apr 13, 2023
Margie, I always looked forward to seeing you and Eldon when I attended church in Willard. You were very kind to our girls and me. Hold fast to your memories. Take care.
Andrea Dentinger - Apr 12, 2023
Aww I’m so sorry to hear this. There were multiple times that I had seen him at Pete’s (years ago) and he thought I was his granddaughter. He came up to me and was so shocked that I wasn’t her. He told me I looked just like her. He was a “secondary” grandpa to me! When I would see him, I would always say “hi grandpa!!” lol He had such a sweet and happy personality!! Sending the whole family my thoughts and prayers!
Maggie Barnett - Apr 12, 2023
So sorry to hear of your dad’s passing! May be RIP!!
Janet Dawson - Apr 12, 2023
So sorry Marjorie and families to hear of Eldon's passing. Always liked his smile and little jokes.
Janet and Bob Hawblitz - Apr 12, 2023
Our sympathy goes out to the Ritz family. So very sorry. Your wonderful memories will help get you through the difficult days ahead. He leaves a great legacy behind.
Marty Smith - Apr 12, 2023
My sincere condolences to all of Eldons family..Have known this family for years...I know Eldon will be greatly missed my many..Prayers for confort and strength.
Tina Buchs - Apr 12, 2023
I will always cherish our childhood together with the ritz family, we had fun times and sure do miss all of you, I’m so sorry for the loss of a wonderful man and so glad he was part of my life ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
Carrie Snook - Apr 12, 2023
I am very sorry for your loss.
Mark Stump family - Apr 12, 2023
Sorry for your loss always enjoyed being around him Praying for the family
Michelle Barker - Apr 12, 2023
I am so sorry for your life. Sending comfort.
Gregg and Carolyn Heinrichs - Apr 12, 2023
Our deepest condolences to the Ritz family. Eldon was such a wonderful man. He and Margie were always a striking couple. Loved seeing them at the old Square dances at the New Washington Legion. May God wrap his arms around you during this sad time. Hugs and prayers.
Delbert and Beth Hass - Apr 12, 2023
So Very Sorry for your Loss. Was nice to visit Eldon 3 weeks ago at the Willow's, had a great Smile. May he Rest in Peace 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Britney Lykins - Apr 12, 2023
I will always remember Eldon as the guy who HATED veggies. At the willows he always asked for no veggies and i would always tell him i’m going to serve him double. Rest easy Eldon, we’ll take care of Margie for you❤️
Gary and Stasia Ulmer - Apr 11, 2023
Ben, You are in our thoughts and prayers.
PAUL ZIMMERMAN - Apr 11, 2023
Margie, Benny, so sorry to read of the passing of your husband and father. He always had a smile on his face and friendly to talk to. My sympathy to you in his passing. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Tiger and Sue Maudsley - Apr 11, 2023
Margie and family, so sorry to read about Eldon. Will miss seeing him at Dudleys. May God hold you in your time of grief.
Jan (Whetstone) Lindsey - Apr 11, 2023
To the Ritz family, I am so sorry to hear of Eldon's passing. My thoughts and prayers to all of you.
Donna and Yogi Nagel - Apr 11, 2023
Our prayers go out to your family during this difficult time! May God give you the strength to continue your lives with wonderful memories of him.
John &Eileen Hosang - Apr 11, 2023
We are so sorry for your loss of Eldon. Our prayers and thoughts are with the family. May God bless all of the families.
Wendy Ayres Daniel - Apr 11, 2023
Sending thoughts and prayers to the Ritz Family.
Roxie and James Young - Apr 11, 2023
To the Ritz family, we are so sorry for your loss of Eldon. He was always fun to have a conversation with and he will be missed by many. You are in our thoughts.
Ken and Cyndi Shoup - Apr 11, 2023
May God give you comfort during this difficult time. Sending our love and prayers.
Stephanie Auxter - Apr 11, 2023
He will be missed at the willows! It was never a dual moment with Eldon. Most of he enjoyed talking about his kids that he loved and how proud he was of them. I bet he's farming somewhere bc he loved it. He loved looking at the picture of that tractor 🚜. Mostly loved his wife and always worried about her. Don't worry Eldon she is in good hands.
Ned and Cheri Peddicord - Apr 11, 2023
Margie, Maddie, and family, we were so sorry to see that Eldon had passed. We so enjoyed our conversations with him after church. May the many wonderful memories help during this sad time. Prayers to your family.🙏
Brad and Kel Shook - Apr 11, 2023
We are so sorry to hear of Eldons passing. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Glea Herr - Apr 11, 2023
I am so sorry for your family’s loss. He was a great man. Will be missed by many.
Glea Herr - Apr 11, 2023
I am so sorry for your family’s loss. He was a great man. He will be missed by many.
Norma Hicks - Apr 11, 2023
What a great matriarch he was.
Bill Robison - Apr 11, 2023
Condolences from the Robison family. I remember Eldon from hay baling days in 1953.
Kay Carr - Apr 11, 2023
I'm so sorry for your loss. Many prayers for the entire family.
Susan Frisch - Apr 10, 2023
Sorry for your loss.
Jeanne and Doug Lillo - Apr 10, 2023
Our Deepest Condolences and Prayers!
