Edward Ritts died Sunday, Aug. 29, 2004. He was 80.
Edward Ritts died Sunday, Aug. 29, 2004. He was 80.
Born in Iowa on Aug. 17, 1924, to Charles and Juanita Ritts, he served as a B-24 pilot for the Army Air Corp during World War II.
After the war, Mr. Ritts returned home and married Marilyn, his high school sweetheart, in 1945.
He graduated from Iowa State University in 1948 with an Engineering degree.
His professional career included work as an automotive engineer for the Cities Service and Tidewater Oil Companies, as a small business owner, and finally, as a Real Estate Broker as he approached his retirement years.
Married for almost 50 years, Mr. and Mrs. Ritts enjoyed traveling, particularly their yearly trips to Lake Tahoe and Kona, and the company of their many friends.
Mr. Ritts cherished the friendship and camaraderie provided by the Morgan Hill Airmen’s Association, the Gilroy Elks Club, and the Local Sirs Club.
He looked forward over the years to his fishing trips in Canada and Alaska and his hunting trips in Wyoming. His gentle nature, caring soul, and self-effacing humor will be greatly missed by all.
He is survived by his son, Craig; daughter-in-law Terry; beloved grandsons, Casey and Matt; new granddaughter-in-law Maricor; brother, Bill; and many beautiful extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marilyn.
Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service at 1pm Saturday, Sept. 11, 2004, at Johnson Funeral Home, 17720 Monterey Road, Morgan Hill.
A reception at the Lions Club Community Hall, 12415 Murphy Avenue, San Martin will follow.
His ashes will be scattered off the Kona coast as his wife’s were nine years ago.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Gilroy Elks Club #1567, P.O. Box 488, Gilroy, CA 95021.
