John R. Ritz

John R. Ritz, 86, of North Vernon, passed away at 3:08 a.m. on Monday, October 30, 2017, at his residence. 

A funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 2, 2017, at Sawyer-Pickett Funeral and Cremation Service.  Rev. Jonathan Perkhiser and Rev. Larry Sharpe will officiate.  Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 1, 2017 at the funeral home.  Burial with military graveside service will be in Vernon Cemetery.

Born September 5, 1931, in Scipio, John was the son of the late Raymond and Nona Brown Ritz.  He graduated from North Vernon High School in 1949 and married Ann Marsh on April 4, 1954.  She survives.

John worked at Cummins, Inc. for 30 years.  He was a member of Meadowbrook Church of Christ in Seymour.  John had umpired softball games at the North Vernon City Park for 20 years.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, sports and IU basketball.

In addition to his wife, Ann, John is survived by three sons, Mike (Chris) Ritz of Vallonia, Mark Ritz and Kenny (Tricia) Ritz all of North Vernon; three daughters, Marsha Manning, Marnita Richart and Marla (Chris) Weber all of North Vernon; four brothers, Tom (Rhonda) Ritz of Indianapolis, Floyd (Carolyn) Ritz of Hope, Charles (Caroline) Ritz of Martinsville, and Karol (Pat) Ritz of Vernon; seventeen grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Nona Ritz and one sister, Caroline Jane Brunt.

Memorials may be made through the funeral home to the American Cancer Society.

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