Shirley Ritter

My mother, Shirley Mae Ritter, age 87, passed away February 24, 2024. She was born in Wilmington, Delaware, but lived in many areas of the United States over her lifetime. She was a wonderful mother, was loved by many and will be missed terribly. 

She was predeceased by her husband Donald Ritter, her mother Dorothy Collins, daughter Diana Smith, son Gary Goodman and grandson Johnathan Bilyeu. 

She is survived by her life partner, Wendell Wilcox, daughter Kelly Boothe and Kelly's husband Erwin Boothe, grandchildren Tanya Thrash, Jerry Smith, Micah Smith, Joshua Maggard, Devin Henson, and Chris Bilyeu. She also was a great-grandmother to seven great-grandchildren. In addition, she had one great-great-granddaughter.

Shirley was very active later in life with the Joplin Association of the Blind and a member of the Joplin Service Club of the Blind where she served several positions as well as a board member of the Joplin Association of the Blind. She was an active participant with the fundraisers as well as singing, telling jokes, sharing stories at the luncheons and other activities held there. 

As a younger woman she worked in an executive assistant role for the United Way as well as other companies. Mid-life, she chose to return to college as learning was a passion for her. She graduated earning three degrees. She was an active member of Peace Lutheran Church ELCA in Joplin.

There will be a Celebration of Life at the Joplin Association of the Blind, 311 S. Schifferdecker Ave., Joplin, on March 12th. We will start immediately after the luncheon for the regular attendees around 12:45 p.m. It will be a time of sharing stories, scriptures and songs. Please donate to the Joplin Association of the Blind in lieu of floral arrangements.