Gary Lee Ritenour

Gary Lee Ritenour passed away peacefully on January 10, 2017 surrounded by family. He was born on October 5, 1938 to Andrew and Treva Ritenour in Warsaw, Indiana. He was the oldest of three brothers and two sisters growing up on dairy farms located between Inwood, Bourbon, Argos and Plymouth, Indiana. He graduated from Lincoln High School in Plymouth, Indiana, before obtaining his bachelor’s (1960) from Purdue University, and his master’s (1962) in Agronomy and doctorate (1964) in Plant Physiology from the University of California at Davis (UCD). He was the first in his family to attend college and led the way for several siblings and his two children. Both his children graduated with bachelor’s degrees from California State University, Fresno (CSUF), and his son also went on to obtain a master’s and doctorate from UCD, following in his father’s footsteps.

While pursuing his graduate degrees in Davis, Gary met and fell in love with Margaret Hinshaw, a secretary in the department, whom he eventually married on August 3, 1963. They celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary before his passing. During those 53 years, they had 2 children, Mark and Connie, and five grandchildren. Gary was known to the grandkids as Papa and they all adored him. He was also cherished by his daughter in-law and son in-law who affectionately referred to him as “dad” or “pop” as well.

Professionally, he went on to work as a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Illinois until moving to Fresno, California in 1966 to work as a Fresno county Farm Advisor for the University of California. In 1969 he acquired a position at CSUF. While there, he served in many roles as professor including director of the crop production and protection center (1986-89), chairperson of the plant science mechanized agriculture department (1989-91), and the college’s director of agricultural operations (1991-97). However, he always took his greatest pleasure in working with students. He started “Turf Day” in 1973 that became “Vintage Days” at Fresno State. He retired in 1999.

Gary Ritenour was a loving husband, father and papa. His hard work, wise counsel, and compassion touched the lives of countless people and he will be greatly missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents Andrew and Treva Ritenour.

He is survived by his wife Margaret Ritenour; children Mark Ritenour and Connie Yee; five grandchildren, Zachary Ritenour, Mikala Ritenour, Jaden Ritenour, Carson Yee, and Analise Yee; and four siblings, Frank Ritenour, Diane Swihart, Judy Salmon, and Brian Ritenour.

A Memorial Service will be held on June 24, 2017 at 2:00 pm at 1st Church of God, 3920 N.1st, Fresno CA 93726

Remembrances may be made to FFA, Plymouth High School, Attn: FFA Advisor, #1 Big Red Drive, Plymouth, Indiana, 46563