Bill was born in Salt Lake City, Utah to Willis W. and Ireta Olson Ritter. He attended Utah schools, graduating from the University of Utah with a BA in Business. He was a proud life member of Sigma Chi Fraternity. While at the U, Bill met and married Marilyn Charvoz. After graduating, he and Marilyn moved to California where he attended Stanford Graduate School of Business earning an MBA. Bill’s varied employment included Pacific Motor Trucking, Ampex, Lockheed, Guild Wineries and Wright & Company Realtors. Eventually, he started his own real estate company, Ritter Associates.
Bill and Marilyn have four children; Willis W. Ritter III, Daniel L. Ritter, Laurie Walker and Jennie Spence. Bill adored his children, supporting them in all their endeavors and activities. One year, he was president of the local Little League, chairman of his son’s scout troop and held a job in the school PTA. As a result, he received a PTA Honorary Service Award.
While a student at Stanford University, Bill discovered his passion for Stanford athletics. Over the years, Bill brought his family to see many Stanford athletic events. The Big Game was an annual tradition and when Stanford was in the Rose Bowl, Bill organized the trips to SoCal. Bill had the honor of developing lifelong relationships with many coaches and athletes.
Bill is survived by his wife, his four children, six grandchildren; Michelle Bang, Ryan Walker, Marilyn Limb, Megan Higgins, Jordan Spence, Collin Spence and thirteen great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Mary Lynn Kramer. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister Nancy Hancey and his brother John Ritter.
Funeral services will take place Tuesday, August 10, 2021. Private viewing for family begins at 10:30am, services will follow at 11:00am at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary located at 3401 S. Highland Drive, Millcreek, Utah. Interment will take place at the Charleston Town Cemetery, located at 2800 US 189, Charleston, Wasatch County, Utah.
If you would like to make a gift in Bill’s memory, please make donations to Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance at www.suwa.org/honorarydonations.
