Vera L. Ritts

VERA LOUISE RITTS Nov. 10, 1926 - Nov. 11, 2014 Vera L. Ritts, age 88 of Akeley, MN, entered eternity on November 11, 2014 at the Pleasant Akers Assisted Living Facility near Akeley, MN, after a valiant battle with Parkinson's. Vera was born on November 10, 1926 at home in Decatur, NE. She was the first child born to Paul D. Butcher and Winifred H. (Walters) Butcher. The family moved to Moville, IA when Vera was three years old. She graduated from Moville High School in 1944 and went to work in Sioux City at a hospital and then delivering singing telegrams. On November 10, 1946 she was united in marriage to Carlton F. Ritts in Sioux City, IA. This marriage was blessed with three daughters. In the spring of 1947 they moved to Minnesota and lived near Nevis and in Park Rapids, MN, until they purchased property on Shell Lake near Snellman, MN. There they farmed and operated a small resort - Ritts Pine Grove. Vera also held jobs as a waitress, office clerk, and housekeeper. She loved music, dancing, John Wayne movies, walks in the woods, writing in her journals and reading. Her great wit was a delight to her family and friends. Vera is survived by her three daughters: Susan K. Klosner of Park Rapids, Carolyn L. Ball and Mary Nunn (Chet Disselbrett) both of Menahga, MN; sister, Nancy (Christopher) Longaker of OR; Stepsister, Roberta Mikkelsen of OR; stepbrother, Robert Mikkelsen of CA; Sisters-in-law: Naomi Butcher of IA, Beverly Sievert of AZ; two grandsons: Brian Ball of CA, and Scott (Katie) Ball of WI; three granddaughters: Amy Hough (Robert Pillsbury) of MN, Amber Hopkins (Scott Lunsford) of CA, and Kimberly Holmer of MN; ten grandchildren and one great grandson; special nephew, David Butcher and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers: Robert and Ward Butcher; and her husband Carlton F. Ritts. She was a member of Gethsemane Lutheran Church of Snellman, MN, the VFW of Detroit Lakes, and a life member of the Disabled American Veterans Unit #38 of Park Rapids. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests and prefers memorials be given to Living At Home of Park Rapids or Hospice of Park Rapids.