We miss you! Also a great teacher, friend and now you're in no pain & around the best people. 
Christa Schreiber

Bobby and family,
So sorry to hear about your son. God Bless you.

Dear Bobby and David,
We are heart sick to hear of Christopher's death at such a young age.  We loved him as our own those years living in VA Beach and being Jeff's best friend.  We are grateful in our hearts that Christopher knew the Lord and is with Him now.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to you during this very difficult time.
Wally and Mary

Just wanted to express our deepest sympathy to the Ritter family. 
From: The Parker Family (Bailey, Hailey, Blakeley, Taylor and Tammy)

Hi Laurie,

I just wanted to say I am so sorry to hear about your loss.  My thoughts & prayers are with you, your daughter and the whole family.  I know it's been some time ago since I met him but from seeing him he was a Great Man!!!..again my condolences to your whole family.  

Dana (Jackson) Rock

Chris was a wonderful, kind and caring person.  I am glad I was able to work with him while he was at Thoroughgood.  I am so sorry for his family and extend my sympathy and prayers to all of you.

To the Ritter Family:  I am so sorry to hear about your loss.  I worked with Chris at Thoroughgood Elementary.  Chris was a wonderful friend to all at Thoroughgood ES.  He always spoke lovingly of his family.  I am thinking of all of you at this difficult time.

Mr. Ritter. My best friend in school. always smiling. always letting me win in four-square and then acting all crazy and pretending to cry. i can't get your walk, your talk, your smile, your life, outta my head. you are dearly missed by your faily and by lynnhaven. you were an all out great man. you were a positive person 100 percent of the time. your life was beautiful and filled with so many glorious memories. his warm smile, well, armed my heart, i had him 3rd bell in 6th grade, and he brightened the rest of my day. love you mr.ritter. FOREVER. don't forget me, because i'll be withy ou again someday. <3.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

This was a tragic event that has occured to the best p.e. teacher that I had. He was the best of the best and Im sure that he Is with God now and is in a better place. He will be deeply missed.   I enjoyed every minute being a student learning from him. It will never be the same and no one can replace him.

I was so sad when my brother called and told me the news. I will definitely miss Chris' warm smile and friendly hellos every time i come home to Va Beach from Northern VA. To Laurie and Sarah, I am deeply sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers and I pray for God's healing guidance to help you through this difficult time.

Love,
Kathleen Viado (Fred and Perlita's daughter)

Chris was a wonderful man, a great teacher, and a good friend and co-worker. No one who met Chris could not but feel the love of the Lord in him. His service was truly a celebration of life. My prayers are with his family but always remember ... you'll see him again!

My sincere sympathy goes out to Laurie, Sarah, and all who were touched by Chris' passing. I was deeply saddened to hear of your loss, but comforted in the knowledge that Chris is a brother in Christ. May God's peace be upon you during this painful time.

Chris's funeral was so uplifting!  I am so sad about his passing, my spirits are raised though by all that was shared today about his life. The lives he touched at school, home and through his church. His legacy will live on for so many years! Although I knew him as a teenager, my life was touched by him again today.  Your family will be in my prayers.

My thoughts and prayers go out to Mr. Ritters family. My daughter spoke very highly of him. He made a huge impact on her life and my family is very blessed to have known him. Angels walk among us.

I will miss u Mr.ritter u were my best p.e teacher u were also my best friend you always made me laugh.

I couldn't believe this when I found out. He was such a great man and an excellent teacher. I remember him being my P.E. teacher in 7th grade and being the class everyone wanted to be in because of him. May the golden gates greet you with open arms, Mr. Ritter. We'll see you again soon, but for now, rest in paradise.

I didn't really know Mr.Ritter much but I knew he was awesome and when I found out that he died I don't know why but I just broke out in tears. I'm sure everyone at Lynnhaven Middle School or not greatly will miss him.

My sympathies fore the loss of Mr. Ritter.  My grandson, Nick Weniger, was a student of his and told me he was the best teacher ever.  Our prayers are with you.

Bobby, David, Carolyn, Clayton, and the rest of your families,

The Ritter family is regularly in my prayers of gratitude for the blessings that came my way through you all. Even as a kid, Chris had those special traits you all share and, like my own Chris, gave me glimpses of life and its wonder just by being himself. I would like to have seen him in operation as a teacher. We will have a lot to catch up on when next we meet.

May the Lord shorten the time between what must be an aching sense of loss at this time and the abundant comfort you have already become familiar with as you have shared it and waited for it with others.

David J. Anderson

Your entire family has positively influenced our lives so much, especially Chris.When we were struggling to build our business after Jed lost his job, Chris believed in us and made a connection for Jed to get an amazing job that has really blessed us. Not only were we totally blessed, but an entire family received salvation as a result of that connection. That was such a common result of the seeds that Chris sowed. Salvations branched from his life in every direction. Laurie and Sarah, you gave him strength and were his greatest joy. It was obvious that he cherished yall above all things in his life. We love you both so much and pray for the comfort and peace that only comes from Heaven.
All our love, 
The Laborte Family

Laurie,
    So sorry for your lose!
              Your neighbors,
              Gary & Karen Harmeyer
              1412 Ashburnham Arch

Dear Laurie and Sarah ,
Everyday the Lord calls for a new Angel and chose Chris to come to enternal life and watch over you both. He was a mentor to everyone who new him and will be greatly missed by many. Your in my prayers. RIP Chris

Mr.Ritter was my teacher at lynnhaven through my 6th grade through 7th grade year. He was the greatest teacher I've ever had. He was truely an amazing person and He will forever be in my heart.

Clearly the best male role model and posative role model of my middle school years.

To the Ritter family, my son Michael was in his class this past 2010/2011 school year and shared many stories with him in regards to his disease. I am convinced his stories help him in dealing with your sudden and tragic loss. He truly enjoyed having him as a teacher. Thank you so much for sharing him with us and the knowledge he was able to pass along to others. Yours truly Michael Folsom and Mom

Chris was such a blessing to know, a doting father, loving husband and a true spirit filled loving man of God. Being with him daily at the bus stop allowed me to get to know the person who shone with the love of Christ. It was to my benefit to know him.  I pray the peace that passes all understanding for the Ritter and Leal families.

To the Ritter & Leal Family my prayer and thoughts are with you keep your head up because god answer all prayer tell Sarah and Rachel that I love them.   Mrs Coston at Rosemont Forest

Carolyn, Mike and Rachael,
We are deeply saddened to learn of Chris' passing.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Mrs.Ritter..Ryan McBride and family are so sad to here of your loss. Our heartfelt sympathy to you and your family in this time of sorrow...Ryan,Keith and Becky..

To the Ritter & Leal Family,

Our deepest sympathys to you all. May the Lord be with you all in your time of need. We will say extra prayers for you all in this time of need.

LAURIE, MAY GOD BE WITH IN YOU TIME OF SORROW. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU. IF YOU NEED ME. FEEL FREE TO EMAIL crcsing1957@cox.net BE STRONG. GOD LOVES YOU AND SO DO I         YOUR COUSIN RAY

We send our prayers and sympathy. We know the Lord is with you and that Chris is with the Lord.
Joy, Renea, Kara and Andrew Brathwaite (N Canton, OH )

thank you for being an amazing teacher and friend.

To: Bobby Ritter & Family
May God,In His Infinite Wisdom, Give You Peace That Surpasses All Understanding. Please Know You Are In My Prayers.

Dear Bobby and Mike Leal,
I am sorry to hear about the death of your son and brother-in-law.  I hope all the fond memories of Chris will comfort you during this sad time.  My prayers are with you and your family.

We are praying for all of you. May you find comfort and peace in Jesus today.

You will be missed ALOT!!!!!! You were a true gift from god to all of us at Lynnhaven Middle School. You were an Awesome Gym Teacher! Im glad I got to know a VERY SPECIAL person like YOU! I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!

Our thoughts and prayers are with your Family in this time of great sorrow.
The Bryant Family, Ray, Sylvia, Lauren, Alexis and Trey

Chris, you were a kind and thoughtful neighbor who looked for ways to lend a hand whenever help was needed.  But I think we will miss your smile the most. Our entire family extends our love and sympathy to Laurie and Sarah, and to all your family, in this difficult time.

I am so very sorry for your loss.  My prayers and thoughts go out to you at this difficult time.

To the Ritter and Leal families:
I am so sorry for your loss.  My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief.

Chris was a wonderful example of a Godly man. What a blessing to of known him. Our prayers are with you all.

My dear sweet big brother has gone home to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Our love for him runs deeper then we could ever express.  We are still in shock over him being gone from this earth, but we have faith in knowing that we will see each other again in heaven.  He would want all to know that he loved Jesus more than anything and he would want everyone to have Jesue Christ as their Lord and Savior too.  I love you Chris (Wa Wa)!  From your little sister Ducky:)

RIP mr ritter!! you are the best pe teacher in the world also sarah and laurie i hope you guys will be ok because you must of had the best husband and father in the world. i am terribley sorry for your loss!!

My deepest condolences to the Ritter family. Chris will be greatly missed at Lynnhaven Middle School. It was a  pleasure to know and work with him. His energy, peace, and optimism were an inspiration to us all. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

Laurie and Sarah,
We are so very sorry for your loss.  Chris was a wonderful example of joy and love in action.  He was always smiling and happy.  He was an awesome neighbor and will be greatly missed by my entire family.  My heart aches for you and your family.  You are in our thoughts and prayers,  Margie & Ron Verostek

I am so sorry for your loss.  Chris was a great man to work with.  Laurie and Sarah, please know you lit up his world.  I loved hearing him talk about you both.  I am unable to attend the services, but you will be in my thoughts.

Laurie, Our deepest condolences to you and Sarah. Much love, Tracey, Noah, and Cailyn Banks

You were like a big brother to me during many years of my life.  I am so thankful that I knew you and you will never escape my heart.  
               Love, Chick (Hope)

Laurie and Carolyn,

I just found out about Chris.  Chris was always such a great guy to work with while I was at Kempsville. He could always put a smile on my face. My thoughts are with you and your family.

I am so very sorry to hear about Chris.  You are all in our every thought and prayer.  We love you so much.    Michelle, Donald, Kyle, and Megan Luchau

Our deepest condolences go out to the Ritter family and friends at this very difficult time. I had the pleasure of knowing Mr.Ritter as a PE teacher and will remember him with great fondness.

Dear Laurie and Sarah, we grieve with you, still stunned.  Please know how much we love you.  You are and have been, in our prayers.

HUNDREDS of students have expressed their condolences on a Facebook page, "R.I.P. Mr Ritter"; just wanted to be sure family and friends know of it; Chris touches SO many lives - he will be greatly missed.  Sincere condolences to his family.

To All the Ritter Family:
We are still in shock over the loss of
Chris so suddenly.  You all have our
deepest sympathy in your loss and
we pray that God will give you the 
the strength to carry on with your
lives.    The Harrison's

Dear Laurie, Sarah, Carolyn and Mike:

I was saddened to read of Chris' death.  He was a fine man and I know you will all miss him terribly. 

Betty Poladian
Chesapeake, VA

Chris, we are truly going to miss seeing your smiling face and cheerful manner walking the halls of Lynnhaven Middle School. Your coworkers love working with you and your students adore you. As I walk the halls next year I will remember the laughter that followed you as you traveled throught the school. Your love for your wife, Laurie, and your daughter, Sarah, was apparent every day. The joy on your face was evident every time you mentioned them. My thoughts and prayers are with them as they find the courage to go on without you. I know you will always be with them in spirit, memories, and in their hearts. God bless them and you. We will miss you, Chris. Vivienne Marlowe

Chris was an inspiration to all he came in contact with at Lynnhaven Middle.  He exemplified the spirit of a great teacher in all of his actions.  He was able to call both students and co workers friend.  He could be found eating breakfast with his students in the morning and giving encouragement to his fellow teachers when they needed a lift.  Chris had the gift of finding the positive in any situation and his spirit will live on in the halls of LMS.

Chris, You have been with me through my most difficult times in life. You poured out unconditional love to me and my family.  I will always treasure you in my heart.  The world was a better place with you in it.  You helped me to get saved and we all know your work with our Lord will continue forever.  Love and Miss you brother.

We will miss you very much at LMS have a good time with your savior Jesus Christ. The whole school will miss you the students, teachers, and staff.

Chris was a joy to know and work with at LMS. I will miss his cheerful greetings and his knowing just what to say to put a smile on my face. He was an inspiration to his students and his co-workers. My fond memories of him will keep him with me always. 
My thoughts are with his family in this time of sorrow. 
Barbara Lucas

Im going to miss you Mr. Ritter.. And even though your no longer here on earth, your still and always will be an awesome gym teacher and friend

Mr. Ritter,
Your special,funny,and peaceful ways were loved by so many! It was a joy to work with you! Your time with us at Lynnhaven Middle School was a true gift from God and I am sure I speak for many when I say that we treasure every memory! What a blessing to know you- I remember meeting you at the East Carolina University pool when you worked as a lifeguard. We talked about how teaching is a rewarding career and we could not wait to work with students. You definitely blessed so many lives! We will all miss you dearly!My deepest sympathy to your family at this difficult time.

Chris,
Your work on earth is surely done
God has called you home as his good and faithful son
The lives you touched are too many to name
Including me and I was never the same
Laurie and Sarah will miss you so
But the precious years you shared will never go
You lived your life by actions that showed
The Lord led your way and you always glowed
An inspiration to me you were always there
To reveal the Word and to teach me to share
You lived a life that counted each day
Dearest Chris you be missed so much today and always
Love in Christ,
Your Cousin
Donna Willis Stanley

With a saddened heart I extend my deepest sympathy to Laurie, Sarah, and all of the family of Chris.  He was a man of the highest integrity and values whom I was blessed to have as a friend.  I learned much from Chris when we taught together at Lynnhaven.  We shared our faith in The Lord and Chris read scripture at my wedding.  A gentle yet strong man, Chris will be deeply missed by thousands whose lives he touched, most of all his adored wife and daughter. May God comfort you each day with wonderful memories and love.

OBITUARY

Christopher Ritter

4 August, 1963 – 24 June, 2011

Rosewood-Kellum Funeral Home & Rosewood Memorial Park

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