- Date Of Birth: October 31, 1929
- Date Of Death: March 5, 2021
- State: Florida
Mary Montford Ritter, of Tallahassee, Florida, died Friday, March 5, 2021, at home. She was born in Blountstown, Florida October 31, 1929, to Wilbur and Emma Lee Montford.
Ms. Ritter was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Odis Ritter; a son, Michael Ritter; a daughter, Charlene Ritter; two brothers, Von and Lenwood Montford; and three sisters, Elaine Parmer, Martha Rericha, and Betty McPhearson. Six weeks ago, Ms. Ritter’s sister-in-law and very best friend, Sarah Ritter Murphy died. Left to cherish Ms. Ritter’s memory are her son, William Ritter and his wife, Lisa; daughter, Rebecca Vause and her husband, Michael; brothers, Hank and Kern Montford; sisters, Nancy Smith, Judy Runyan and Jerline “Pink” Taylor; grandchildren, Scott, Amy, Sarah, Noah, Marty and Casey; four great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. Ms. Ritter was raised in Blountstown, Florida, moving to Tallahassee in the late 1950s.
Upon retirement they moved to Eastpoint, Florida where they had many wonderful friends and made even more great memories. Mr. Ritter’s health required a move back to Tallahassee and the “home place” where she resided until her death. Ms. Ritter’s family was extremely important to her. Not only did she love each family member dearly, she was their defender and always put family members first. Being the eldest child, she was the matriarch of the family. She and Mr. Ritter provided a home for Ms. Ritter’s mother and all of her brothers and sisters. She was a wonderful mother and a mentor to many. Even though Ms. Ritter never attended college, she was an accomplished professional, well respected by her peers and in her daughter’s words, was a “trail blazer”.
She retired from the Division of Personnel for the State of Florida after 31 years of dedicated service, receiving a proclamation from Senator Bill Montford on her 90th birthday recognizing her. Ms. Ritter was an equisite seamstress, making prom dresses, cheerleader’s uniforms, a sister’s wedding dress and clothes for her children.
