Rose Marie Ritter

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Rose Marie Ritter, who left this world peacefully on October 15, 2024, in Phoenix, Arizona. Born on July 27, 1930, in Macomb, Illinois, to her parents Robert Neuneker and Rosa Schoeninger. In 1954 she married her adoring husband E. Kenneth “Ken” Ritter, and enjoyed nearly 60 years of marriage with him until his passing in 2014. Together they raised 7 children, Rose’s proudest accomplishment was being a mother.

Rose is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ken Ritter, along with her parents, Robert and Rosa, and brothers, Robert and Max Neuneker.

She leaves behind her cherished children: Lisa Grabenbauer (Jim), Kurt Ritter, Dana Johnson (Jere), Julie Baum (Mark), Laura Files (Burke), Margaret Ritter, and John Ritter (Linda). In addition, she is survived by 15 adoring grandchildren Kurt Grabenbauer, Ross Grabenbauer, Claire Grabenbauer, Meghan Ritter, David Ritter, Elizabeth Hafner, Nicholas Hafner, Marcus Baum, Morgan Baum, Sydney Files, Kelsey Files, Moira Files, Reegan Files, Drake Ritter, and Niko Ritter; along with 16 great- grandchildren; her sister, Ruth Smith, as well as sisters-in-law Barbara Neuneker and Lorna Neuneker. 

A Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, with Rosary prayers at 5:30 PM at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, located at 4800 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85018. Family and friends are invited to pay their respects and celebrate her extraordinary life. A Funeral Mass will follow on Thursday, October 24, 2024, at 10:00 AM at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, located at 4715 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85012. A reception will follow mass in the St. Francis Anderson Hall. For those who wish to view the service via live stream video beginning at 10:00 AM (Arizona Mountain Standard Time), please go to: St. Francis website to access the brown box that reads "View Live stream Mass" then scroll to "funeral".

A private family burial will take place at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest with her husband.

Rose was active in St. Francis Xavier parish since 1977, when her family moved to Phoenix from the Midwest. She led the prayer shawl ministry, supported a project to recognize St. Kateri Tekawitha, as well as participating in many other faith-based activities within the parish.

Rose Marie Ritter will be deeply missed but forever remembered for her unwavering love, her nurturing spirit, and the indelible mark she left on the hearts of her family.

Donations are encouraged to St. Mary’s Food Bank or to Hospice of the Valley or to St. Francis Xavier Parish.