Maria J. Ritter

Maria Johanna Iemenschot Ritter, 90, of Marathon, NY, passed away at Cortland Park Rehabilitation & Nursing Center, Cortland, NY, on May 15, 2016, after a brief illness.

Maria was born in Deepenveen, The Netherlands, on August 13, 1925.  She left Holland in 1952 with her husband after they were married.  The couple lived briefly near Tully, and settled in New Jersey for 20 years before moving to Marathon.  She was an active member of the Chester Presbyterian Church choir, Chester Board of Education, New Jersey Farm Bureau, Morris County Board of Agriculture, and the Masterwork Chorus.  A talented singer, she joined the First Presbyterian Church choir after moving to Marathon in 1976.  While living in Marathon, she continued her involvement in the Cortland County Farm Bureau, the 1890 House, the Zonta Club, and the Art and Literature Club.

She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Walter Ritter; and their three children, Carl, Edwin (Maria), and Jody (David) Pugh.  She also leaves behind four grandchildren, Alexis (Alex), Robert, Jennifer, and Gregory; and one great-grandchild, Samuel.

A memorial service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Marathon on Saturday, May 21, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Douglas Hatch officiating.  There will be no prior calling hours.  Expressions of sympathy in memory of Maria may be directed to the First Presbyterian Church of Marathon, P.O. Box 246, Marathon, NY 13803, or the Alzheimer’s Association of CNY, 441 W. Kirkpatrick St., Syracuse, NY 13204-1361.