Bob" Ritter, 91, of Anderson, passed away April 25, 2020, at Hamilton Trace Senior Living in Fishers.
He was born Aug. 12, 1928, in Anderson, to Ralph Rupert and Mary Elizabeth Ritter.
Bob graduated from Anderson High School in 1946, where he was a three-sport athlete and a member of the 1946 IHSAA Boys' Basketball State Championship team. Bob, along with teammate Jumpin' Johnny Wilson (Mr. Basketball) were both selected to the Indiana All-Star team in 1946 as well. After high school, Bob attended Indiana University, where he played two seasons for the Hoosiers under Coach Branch McCracken. After becoming a Sigma Chi, he joined the ROTC and sang in a competitive barbershop quartet, all while earning a BS degree in chemistry.
Upon graduation, Bob pursued his two passions. He married his college sweetheart, Patsy Lou Miller on June 18, 1950, and soon after was commissioned in the United States Air Force. Bob loved to fly jets, and he and Pat prepared for a career in the Air Force as he moved up the ranks from Captain to Lieutenant Colonel. Shortly after the birth of their third daughter, Bob was on mission when he got word Pat contracted the polio virus while stationed in the Philippines. Pat was transported to Walter Reed hospital in Maryland, then to Brooks AFB in Texas, where she remained in an iron lung for the next year as Bob continued to serve.
With his wife permanently confined to a wheelchair, Bob retired from USAF active duty in 1959 and returned to his hometown of Anderson, Indiana, where he accepted a position as a Systems Analyst for General Motors. Once home, he satisfied his love for the USAF by serving in the USAF Reserves and spending many weekends at Grissom Air Force Base near Kokomo until retiring in 1974.
After the birth of child four and five, Bob continued at GM and spent his evenings building a successful Shaklee distributorship. Converting a portion of their home into a retail store, Pat had a social outlet to serve and visit with customers from their home for nearly 20 years.
In 1987, Bob and Pat's determination to overcome adversity was recognized as they received the 1987 "Family of the Year" award, given by the Anderson Chamber of Commerce. Bob spent his free time serving as a member of the First United Methodist Church, planning adventurous family vacations and attending all five children's school and sporting activities.
Bob's life was marked by a sacrificial love for his wife and children and a life-long commitment to loving and serving his friends in need.
He is survived by his children, Pam (Larry) Williams, Kristin Hill of Indianapolis, Leslie Condon of McCordsville, MaryBeth (Brian) Merz of Strongsville, Ohio, and Jeff (Megan) Ritter of Fishers; grandchildren, Patrick Hill, Rendi (Steve) Brooks, Trey Hacker, Dustin Hacker, Nathan (Lori) Hacker, Bryon (Lea) Foley, Broc Foley, Brie Condon, Bryn Condon, Michael Merz, Amanda (Destin) Ramsey, Matthew Merz, Alexis Merz, Adria (Kevin) Sullivan, Taylor (Jayson) Koerselman, Mackenzie Ritter, Joseph Malone and Holden Malone; great-grandchildren, Gentry Hacker, Dustin Hacker Jr., Quintin Hacker, Elizabeth Hacker, Marshall Brooks, Madison Brooks, Mitchell Brooks, Austin Hacker, Kasey Hacker, Harper Koerselman, Penelope Koerselman, Finley Sullivan, Farrah Sullivan, Theodore Stinson, Aiden Merz, Ethan Cirignano Merz, Lennox Ramsey, Liam Foley, Aria Foley, Noah Penley and Elliot Foley; and great-great-grandsons, Gentry Hacker and George Hacker. Also surviving is his beloved sister, Sara Ann Vargo; niece, Nancy Ann Vargo; and great-niece, Emma Ford.
He was preceded in death by his wife and parents.
Private visitation and services will be Thursday, April 30, 2020, at Loose Funeral Homes & Crematory with a burial in East Maplewood Cemetery, Anderson.