Mildred Ritter

(From Knell Mortuary)

Mildred Faye (Dudek) Ritter passed away Friday, April 16, 2021 at St. Luke’s Nursing Center in Carthage, Missouri. Mildred was born February 1, 1933 in Willow, Oklahoma, the daughter of the late Frank Dudek and Millie (Baca) Dudek. 

She was a 1952 graduate of Lake Creek High School in Lake Creek, Oklahoma. She enjoyed singing in choir and playing basketball. After graduation, she moved to the Tulsa, Oklahoma area where she worked at Oklahoma Osteopathic Hospital as a switchboard operator.

She met the love of her life, Carl E. Ritter, in Tulsa, and they later married on June 28, 1958 in Miami, Oklahoma. He preceded her in death in 2007 after 49 years of marriage. They moved to Carthage and owned/operated Northgate Army Surplus and Salvage from 1958 to 1995.

Mildred is survived by three children, Eddie Ritter, Wesley Ritter, and Carla (Ritter) Hance, all of Carthage; two grandchildren, Cody Hance and Dylan Hance, both of Carthage; one sister, Irene Graham, Cibolo, Texas; two brothers, Frank “Sonny” Dudek, Sand Springs, Oklahoma, and Billy Dudek (Sue), Willow, Oklahoma; one brother-in-law, Tommy Copeland, Weatherford, Texas; and several nieces and nephews.

She was also preceded in death by her sisters, Ann Copeland and Pauline Pierce.

She was a homemaker and caregiver most of her life. Caring for old and young alike. Her family was one of her greatest joys. She was a wonderful cook and always loved family gatherings. You were always welcome in her home. She also took pleasure in gardening, canning, embroidery, and the simple things in life.

Mildred will be forever loved and always missed by those who knew her.

Graveside funeral services will be held 2:30 pm, Wednesday, April 21, 2021 at Fairview Cemetery, northwest of Carthage. The family will receive friends from 1-2 pm at Knell Mortuary, Carthage. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.