Henry and Thelma Mae Ritter

Henry Ritter - A precious baby boy was born on January 29, 1920 and received his wings on April 01, 2014. His beautiful granddaughter honored him with these words: "I am truly honored and humbled to stand before you today and tell you how proud I am of my Grandfather. Paths of Armor. That is the title of the book that details the Fifth Armored Division’s journey in World War II. It describes the savage fighting, the toils, and the triumphs that these brave soldiers endured – and why, as result, the division became nicknamed the “Victory Division” for their combat excellence. But as I started to think about my Grandfather’s life, the title “Paths of Armor” aptly applies: Losing his brother when he was just a child, growing up during the Great Depression, leaving school several years early to go to work to help support his family, getting drafted, spending four years of his life fighting for our freedom, living on rationed gasoline and food, surviving the health issues that he endured as a senior. He was the strongest and bravest man I know. When I reflect on his 94 years, the war certainly was a pivotal moment in time and greatly shaped him. My Grandfather was in the 22 Armored Engineers. They endured 136 degree heat in the Mojave Desert where they trained, and later, bitter cold and snow in Germany. When he and I would sit and talk about the war, oh, he told so many great stories… of course, many sad and his eyes would well up when he talked about those comrades that were lost. But there were also a fair share of funny stories. He would joke about how many cans of meat were buried in the Mojave Desert because the K-Rations that they were fed were that terrible… eating cold, canned eggs for breakfast and cold coffee. Known as Patton’s Ghosts, the 5th Armored Division soldiers never knew exactly where they were. Each morning, they were given a map and the mission. They went before the other troops – in armored halftracks, clearing minefields and building bridges so that the infantry battalions could follow. Paths of Armor. There was also a lifetime of happy memories though: marrying my Grandma… I love hearing the story of their three dates, then my Grandfather returning to Pine Camp and proposing to her in a letter. He returned home for a short leave, they married, then together they returned to Pine Camp in Watertown, NY until he deployed for England in 1944. The friendships my Grandparents shared were beyond compare… friendships that truly lasted an entire lifetime. Differences in opinion, religion, political beliefs – nothing got in the way of their friendships. They were, after-all, the Greatest Generation. My Grandfather loved Big Band music, and I can still picture him and my Grandma swing dancing with their friends at parties. He was an avid ice skater and skated three times a week until the age of 89 – yes, 89. He would take me skating and try to teach me different moves, including jumps. Remarkable. He loved painting and wood working. He and my Mom were a great crafting team – and together made beautiful works of art. He loved hiking – and hiked most of the Appalachian Trail… I guess something about sleeping in the woods and eating cold food still appealed to him after-all. He loved his boats, water skiing, fishing and traveling. He was also an enthusiastic coin collector. He and my Grandmother took so many wonderful trips together… Hawaii, Alaska, steamboat cruises on the Mississippi, Ireland, and many others. They had a beach house in Ocean City, and the summers that I spent with them will forever be precious memories. As their house was named – Lazy Days – we enjoyed those lazy, hazy days of summer. Life was simple then – or, well, they at least made it seem that way for me. My Grandfather loved dogs. And I am certain that his beloved white poodle, Suzette, is sitting on his lap right now. He always had a dog on his lap or in his arms. “People say ‘dumb dog”, he would say. “But there’s nothing dumb about dogs.” He was always proud of the dogs in his life, loved telling stories about them, and letting them lick the bottom of his vanilla ice cream bowls. He also adored birds and loved his cockatiel, Pretty Boy. So many fond memories. I will forever smile when I think of my Grandfather and my heart will always swell with pride. There is an Eskimo legend that says, “Perhaps they are not stars but rather openings in Heaven where the love of our lost ones shines down to let us know they are happy.” On clear nights, I like to walk outside and spend a few moments looking upward, finding special stars, and talking to those I miss. “Star windows” I call them – and I can just picture our loved ones peering down through them, sending us love and blowing us kisses. Heaven most certainly gained a wonderful angel with my Grandfather, and so when it’s late and you’re outside, look up and find the brightest star – I just know that my Grandfather will be there waiting. I would like to thank everyone who helped us to accomplish our goal of 94 random acts of kindness in honor of my Grandfather. I am sure that he is proud that so many chose to help make the world a better place – because he most certainly did. I will end with one of my favorite quotes from Dr. Seuss. “Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.” While the tears will certainly flow today and in days to come, there are most definitely lots of smiles for one of the best men I have had the privilege of knowing – my Grandfather – Henry Ritter, Jr. DadDad, I love you and MomMom and together we are strong and will smile.

Thelma Mae Ritter - On November 03, 1922 a beautiful baby girl was born and on May 23, 2014 she was given her wings. Her sweet granddaughter, Amy, read this eulogy in her honor: "It has been 52 days almost to the exact minute of when I last stood here in front of you. And while I’d hoped that the time we had left with my Grandma would be measured in months or years, not days, in my heart, I knew the time was going to come sooner rather than later. When my Grandfather passed, a big part of her heart went with him. After being married for 70 years, they were not just a pair. Their hearts, souls, and lives were one. They depended on one another, were always together, and so, my Grandma could not fully live without her other half. Their lives were a true love story. My Grandmother’s relationships were the most important thing in her life. She loved being married to my Grandfather, and she devoted her life to taking care of him. From the moment they were married, her life changed. She left her hometown and went with him to Pine Camp in Watertown, NY where he was completing his Army training. She became a wartime wife, supporting and encouraging him through his service in WWII, going to work while he was deployed, and living for the precious letters and telegrams he would send. And when he did return home, and they built their life together on Willoughby Road, she got up with him every morning before he would make the 2-hour commute to Washington DC, making sure his clothes were just right and he had a hot meal to start his day. When my Grandfather retired, they were able to enjoy more time together. They loved traveling and took many wonderful trips together… Hawaii, Alaska, steamboat cruises on the Mississippi, Ireland, and many others. And, they enjoyed many days with family and friends at their condo in Ocean City. Just as she loved being a wife, my Grandmother also loved being a mother, a grandmother, and a great grandmother. Her happiest and proudest moments were when she was surrounded by family and friends. She loved kids and cherished visits with them… whether they were family, friends, neighbors, area Boy Scouts picking up recycled newspapers, or Girl Scouts selling cookies. She became a Grandma to so many. The friendships she had were beyond compare. They were friendships that truly lasted an entire lifetime. Differences in opinion, religion, political beliefs – nothing got in the way of their friendships. I’m sure Heaven is a rowdy place at times, now that their “crowd” is back together. But just as my Grandma kept lifelong friendships, she continually made new ones. Her sweet and loving personality drew you to her. You didn’t dare go shopping with her unless you had time to spare, because she could make friends and chit chat no matter where she was. I still smile when I think of the Jehovah Witness that visited their house. Clearly, my Grandma wasn’t interested in changing religions, but she was always up for a good conversation, so she invited her in for tea… and just like that, a friendship was made. My Grandmother’s strength always amazed me… double knee replacements, a broken hip, dialysis, the loss of my Grandfather… no matter what challenge she faced, she always had a smile on her face and a positive outlook. “This too shall pass”, she would tell me. Other things that my Grandmother loved… Big Band music, butterflies, pretty flowers, having her hair and nails done, big bear hugs, the Baltimore Ravens, and animals. She had a soft spot in hear heart for many charities. It was an honor and a privilege to be her Granddaughter. I loved being able to share her life and her legacy with Facebook and fellow dog rescue friends across the globe. She was loved and admired by so many. Her hospital walls, covered in cards and well-wishes were a testament to that. Butterflies have always been a special connection to us.
This poem, “A Symbol of hope”, rings true:

A symbol of hope
A butterfly lights beside us like a sunbeam
And for a brief moment its glory and beauty belong to our world
But then if flies again, and though we wished it could have stayed,
We feel lucky to have seen it.

After the service, I ask you to join me out front for the release of butterflies in honor of my Grandma. I will end with one of my favorite quotes. “Just as the caterpillar thought her life was over, she became a butterfly.” And I know that forever more, when I see a butterfly, I will think of my Grandmother – Thelma Mae Ritter – and smile."