Gary Ritz

Gary LaRue Ritz, 76, went to be with our Lord on Friday, June 30, 2017, in Salina, KS.  He was born to Leonard LaRue Ritz and Josephine Fannie Carpenter on March 27, 1941, in Beloit, KS.  He attended Athens Grade School and graduated from Glen Elder High School in 1959.  Gary joined the Kansas Army Reserve National Guard following graduation and went to basic training in Fort Leonard Wood, MO and then on to truck driving school in Fort Eustis, Newport News, VA.  He was stationed in El Paso, TX, and served in active duty during the Berlin Crisis.  Gary was honorably discharged in 1967.

After Gary was called up for active duty, he and a friend were searching for ladies to write to them while they were away, and that eventually led to meeting his wife of 54 years, Roberta Ilene Nyberg, of Reamsville, KS.  They were united in marriage on April 27, 1963, at the United Methodist Church in Kirwin, KS.  Gary and Roberta began their homestead north of Glen Elder, KS, near Gary's parents, with whom they jointly farmed.  Shortly thereafter, they moved northeast of the Athen's Cemetery in Jewell County, KS, where they raised their three children on the family farm.  Gary and Roberta retired in 2003, and moved to Beloit, KS, in 2011.

Gary was a lifetime member of the Glen Elder United Methodist Church.  He greatly loved his family and friends and could visit with anyone.  Gary also enjoyed playing card games, camping, collecting, reading, researching, analyzing, traveling, and shopping.  He affectionately offered his helpful advice, knowledge, and experience to help out others.  Some of his children's fondest memories are staying up late visiting with him, and also of him being a personal tour guide on family vacations.  He would research historical facts, information, and attractions for each day, and lovingly share what he learned with his family as they traveled.

Gary is survived by his wife, Roberta of the home; sons, Dennis Ritz of Glen Elder, KS; Curtis (Julie) Ritz of Manhattan, KS; and daughter, Sherry (Michael) Montey of Salina, KS; sisters, Lynda (Ralph) Becker of Downs, KS; and Becky (Frank) Waggoner of McPherson, KS; grandchildren, Shaila Ritz; Kalisha Poulton; Kayden, Koltin, and Kiara Montey; and Madison, Isabelle, and Sophia Ritz; and great granddaughter, Lilianna Blevins.  He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, his parents, and grandparents, Henry and Elsie (Hobbie) Ritz and Alexander and Mabel (Faulkner) Carpenter.

A celebration of life will be held at 10AM, Thursday, July 6, at the Glen Elder United Methodist Church.  Visitation will be at the church from 6PM-8PM Wednesday, July 5. Memorials may be given to Glen Elder United Methodist Church, Isle of Lights, or the Beloit Parks and Rec.