Mary (Huxoll) Ritzenhein

RITZENHEIN - Mrs. Mary Louise (Huxoll) Ritzenhein, of Sparta has been called home after 93 wonderful years to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She was preceded in death by husband of 60 years, Gerard Fredrick Ritzenhein, her mother and father, Mathilda and Albert Huxoll, brother, Clem, son-in-law, Robert Nye, and great grandson, Abraham Ritzenhein. She is survived by her children, Joan and Don Fitzpatrick of Sparta, James and Judy Ritzenhein of Vulcan, Patricia and Ronald Umlor of Cedar Springs, Janeen Mourer of Rockford, Mary Beth Ritzenhein of Fond du lac, WI, Virginia Flannigan of Grand Rapids, Margaret (Peggy) and Michael Bitely of Rockford, Gerard (Jerry) and Marcia Ritzenhein of Rockford, Barbara Nye of Sparta; 33 grandchildren; 51 great grandchildren; and nine great great grandchildren; special friends, Louise Wollmartz and Pauline Schaefer; many extended family members and friends; and especially the loving and caring staff at Meadowlark Retirement Community in Sparta whom Mrs. Ritzenhein considered as part of her family these past four years. The Mass of Christian Burial for Mrs. Ritzenhein will be offered on Saturday, January 3, at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, 425 State Street in Sparta with Rev. Msgr. Terrence L. Stewart presiding. Interment in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. The Vigil Service will be on Friday at 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider St. John's Home, 2355 Knapp St., NE, Grand Rapids or the Carmilite Sisters, 4300 Mt. Carmel Dr., NE, Ada (Parnell), MI 49301. Friends may meet with the family from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday at the Pederson Funeral Home in Rockford and from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass at the church on Saturday. The Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford www.pedersonfuneralhome.com