Carol Ritz died at her home in Moline Saturday, April 1. She was 87.
She was born to Gertrude and LaBart Middlebush Sept. 21, 1935. She was the oldest of six children raised by her mother. Norma Potter, Keith (Cindy) Middlebush, Jane (Dick) Spayde survive her. Bart and Mary preceded her in death.
Carol graduated from Byron Center High School in 1953 and earned her teaching degree from Western Michigan University, eventually receiving a master’s degree. She attended St. Paul Lutheran Church, where she met her husband, Wayne. Wayne and Carol married June 14, 1957. Wayne preceded her in death in 2008.
The couple had four daughters, Debra Merchant, Cheryl Ritz, Missy (Richard) Johnson, and Jennifer (Angel) Ritz. They also had six grandchildren Nicole (Nate) Cardosa, Jessica (Nikki) Merchant, Brittini (Abby) Merchant, Macy (Hilarie) Merchant, Keagan (Emma) Ritz-Smith, and Mallory Johnson. She was also blessed with four great-grandchildren Raegan and Landen Cardosa, and Madison and Callie Huschke. She also is survived by brother-in-law, Ken and Judy Ritz.
She will also be deeply missed by her caregiver and friend, Rose Longstreet; along with an abundance of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
While she attended St. Paul Lutheran, she was an organist for 50 years, past president and member of LWML, choir member and director, and member of many other groups.
She taught school in a one-room schoolhouse and later in Wayland Union Schools and Byron Center Schools for many years. Wayne and Carol opened the Ritz Farm Market, where they held school tours, and made cider and Carol’s famous dougnuts.
She was a member of Farm Bureau, Moline Centennial team, Moline Garden Club, Moline Softball Association, Moline Mothers Club, Wayland Athletics Boosters, and Red Hats. She also participated in the Wayland Civic Theatre.
Carol’s favorite hobbies included attending church, attending her grandchildren’s sporting events, attending breakfast with her breakfast group, and playing mahjong and cards with family and friends.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday, April 9, at St. Paul Lutheran Church. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, April 10, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 8436 Kraft Ave. SE, Caledonia, with visitation from 10 to 10:45 a.m. prior to the service. Carol will be laid to rest at Hooker Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church or Moline Softball Association.
