Inez Martin Ritter

Mrs. Julia ‘Inez’ Martin Ritter, 88, of Hodges Lane, Hartwell, wife of 53 years to the late Raymond Joseph “Ray” Ritter, Sr., passed away on Sunday, January 11, 2015, at her residence. Mrs. Ritter was born in Tampa, Florida on December 29, 1926, daughter of the late Justus Berry Martin and Daisy Lee Boleman Martin Brandt, and stepdaughter of the late Carl O. Brandt. She was a longtime resident of the Tampa area where she was involved with many organizations, including: Meals on Wheels, Crisis Hotline, and University Church of God. Her husband was the owner/operator of Ray Ritter Tile Company where she served as the bookkeeper. Following Ray’s retirement, they returned to Inez’s parent’s hometown of Hartwell, Georgia in 1989. In Hartwell, she was a member of Reed Creek Baptist Church where she served as a Sunday School teacher and was a member of the Golden Agers Club. She was an active member of the Hartwell community. Mrs. Ritter served as an honorary board member for Hart Life, volunteered with the Hart Clothes Closet and Habitat for Humanity, and enjoyed reading at North Hart Elementary School. She is survived by four daughters: Janet Strange, Tonnie Wineberger, Elizabeth Lorentson and her husband David, all of Hartwell, Georgia, and Martha Ritter of Tampa, Florida; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents and husband, she is preceded in death by one son, Raymond Joseph Ritter, Jr.; one son-in-law, Major Wineberger; sister Bobbie Parker and brother James Martin. Funeral services celebrating her life will be held on Saturday, January 17, at 2:00p.m. in the Reed Creek Baptist Church with Rev. Sam Dulaney officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Raymond Ritter’s life will be celebrated during the graveside service. The family is at the residence on Hodges Lane and will receive friends in the church sanctuary from 1:00p.m. until time for the service. Flowers are optional; memorials may be made in her memory to Hart Life, 317 West Franklin Street, Hartwell, Georgia 30643 or to Gideons International, P.O. Box 59, Hartwell, Georgia 30643. Share your stories and photos in Mrs. Ritter’s Book of Memories at www.berryfh.com. Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Julia ‘Inez’ Martin Ritter.