Arlene Anne Ritter, age 84, of Roanoke Virginia and formerly resided in Greenport, New York, passed away peacefully on April 17, 2018. She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Ritter, her brother, George Hicks and 2 sisters, Lynne Nucci and Marie Maissonade.
She was a loving mother and sister and well-remembered for her patience and care by those students she helped while a teaching assistant at Greenport Schools. Once her children grew, she learned to drive and went to college to further her own education, earning 2 Associate’s degrees.
She loved learning new things, was an avid reader and fan of classic movies. She enjoyed managing retail stores where often older employees became good friends and younger ones called her their second Mom. She loved travel and had an adventurous spirit. She loved social gatherings and was often telling stories and creating laughter. Her desire for adventure and travel took her to Arizona where she made many friends. But after several years there, her desire to live near her grandchildren and family drew her back East and she resided in the Roanoke area for the past 14 years.
Those left to cherish her memory are her 9 children, Michael Ritter (Julie); Donald Ritter (Carol); Virginia Martinsen, Jacqueline Melucci (Remo); Kristine Jacobi; Beth Cundiff (Bill); John Ritter (Todd); Matthew Ritter; and James Ritter; her 3 sisters, Terry Shannon; MaryAnn Taranto (Vito); and Patricia Kempski (Bob); and numerous nephews and nieces, as well as 9 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.
A memorial service to celebrate Arlene’s life will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 24, 2018 at the John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home Chapel in Salem, Va. with Pastor Derek Lam officiating.
Friends may visit with the family at the funeral home from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 24, 2018.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.johnmoakey.com