Margaret M. Ritter

Margaret was born near Benson, Illinois. She graduated from Illinois State University with a B.S. and from Bradley University with an M.A. She married Edward J. Ritter, Jr., on June 4, 1960. He preceded her in death on Feb. 1, 1989.

Margaret worked for Great Central Insurance Company for almost a decade before lovingly devoting her time to raising her three children who survive her: Frank (Colleen) Ritter of State College, Penn.; Joseph (Janice) Ritter of Elsah; and Susan (Doug) Spitalny of Waynesville, Mo. She is also survived by six beautiful grandchildren whom she adored: Brian, David, Jennifer, Robert, Susie, and Becky.

She is also survived by four sisters: Rita Sisko of Woodridge; Elizabeth LoMonaco of Miami, Okla.; Mary (Errol) Peterson of Benson; and Agnes Gaspardo of Minonk. And two brothers: Richard Kapraun of Princeton and James (Bev) Kapraun of Benson. One brother, Wallace Kapraun, preceded her in death.

In 1986, she was a founding member and first treasurer of the Peoria Alzheimer’s Association. She was a tireless volunteer and ensured that all money raised by the association was dedicated to Alzheimer’s research. For decades, she also worked as an election judge in both her own precinct as well as others throughout the city.

Margaret had been a faithful member of St. Vincent de Paul Parish since 1963. She was a member of the Women’s Guild for years as well as the Catholic Women’s League of Peoria. Margaret frequently donated items to St. Vincent’s for the food pantry. For decades, she belonged to bridge groups at both St. Vincent de Paul and St. Philomena’s Catholic Churches as well as other smaller groups.

Mass of Christian burial will be at 11 am on Monday, May 9, at St. Vincent de Paul Church, Msgr. Charles Beebe officiating. Visitation will be for two hours preceding the Mass at the church at 6001 North University Street. Private internment for the family at St. John’s Cemetery, Benson, Ill.

Davison-Fulton Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Memorials may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church or to the charity of your choice.

Margaret had a long, happy life and will be remembered for her fervent faith, brilliant bridge skills, and love of her family, especially her grandchildren, and dear friends who affectionately called her “Aunt Margaret.”

To leave an online condolence go to www.woolsey-wilton.com.