Dr. LeRoy B. Ritter, 97, of Decatur, passed away at 11:53 p.m. Thursday, May 31, 2012 in Imboden Creek Living Center.
A memorial service to celebrate Dr. Ritter’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m.Tuesday, June 5, 2012at First Congregational Church,3465 N. MacArthur Road,Decatur,ILwith Pastor David Taylor officiating. The family suggests memorials be made to the Decatur Macon County Animal Shelter. Dawson & Wikoff West Wood Street Funeral Home is assisting the family with services.
Dr. Ritter was bornDecember 23, 1914inMt. Carmel,ILthe son of Roy and Gertrude (Baird) Ritter. He married Ruth M. Allton onOctober 26, 1941. She preceded him in death onJune 14, 1984. He then married Celeste Hungness on September 14, 1985.
Dr. Ritter was a graduate ofWashingtonUniversityinSt. Louis,MO. Following dental school he began his dentistry practice inCanton,IL. He went on to serve his country in the US Air Force as a dentist stationed inMississippi. He later moved toDecaturand set up his dental office until his retirement in 1986. He was a member of the First Congregational Church.
Dr. Ritter was a licensed pilot and had a passion for flying. He was an active member of the EAA Aviation Foundation. He was a member of the Decatur Lions Club and was a life member of the American Dental Association. He also had a love for hunting, fishing and golfing.
Surviving is his wife: Celeste of Decatur; daughters: Betty Jo Hendrickson and her husband William of Decatur and Kathleen Anderson and her husband William of Decatur; step-daughter Carolyn Dunlap and her husband Charles of South Carolina; step-son: Edward Hungness of Michigan; four grandchildren, five step grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and five step great-grandchildren also survive.
He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife: Ruth and his two sisters.
The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the staff of Imboden Creek Gardens and Living Center as well as a special former neighbor Carol Robinson for all the care and support shown to the Ritter family.
Messages of condolences may be sent to the family at www.dawson-wikoff.com.
| Jan Dial |
DMH Hospice |
June 4, 2012 |
Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you and the Ritter family. Thank you for privilege of caring for Dr. Ritter. May God comfort you and give you all peace.
| Jayne Pape Henson |
Friend |
June 4, 2012 |
Dear Betty Jo and family, sorry to read of the passing of your Dad. may GOd Bless you and your family at this time of sorrow. I remember the good times we had iat MacArthur. Jayne
| James Pirolli |
Dr. Pirolli, dentist |
June 3, 2012 |
Dear Celeste and other family members,
I was saddened to hear of LeRoy's passing. He was such a kind and considerate person and an excellent dentist. Since I continued his practice upon his retirement, I
was able to hear the many patients' comments of how much they appreciated Dr.
Ritter.
He and I also shared several happy and peaceful times together flying and hunting.
He will certainly be missed by many.
Sincerely,
James Pirolli D.D.S.
Tucson, AZ
