Eleanor Ritter Dulles

Eleanor Foster Ritter was born in 1916 in Hunnington, West Virginia, a daughter of the noted Philadelphia architect Verus Taggart Ritter and his wife Edith Keller Ritter.

She attended The Shipley School of Bryn Mar, PA, before becoming a music major at Smith College, graduating in 1939. CC, as she was known to many friends, was married in 1940 in Philadelphia to John Jack Dulles son of John Foster Dulles, Secretary of State from 1952-1959. His career in mining took them first to Nogales and Tucson, Arizona. Then, they moved to Monterrey, Mexico and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Mr.Dulles became a history professor at the University of Texas at Austin in 1962 at which time they moved to Austin.

From 1982 to the present they have made San Antonio their home.

While living in Monterrey, Mexico she was a great part of the Union Church of Monterrey where she was director of the choir, soloist and organist.

She also taught many young people valuable songs and biblical information during her time as Director of the Sunday School of the Union Church.

The year book of the American School of Monterrey, The Eaglet, put the following caption on her photo when she was music teacher: Mrs. Dulles can change a crow into a canary.

Her class was loved by her students. Blessed with a beautiful voice, she was happiest when playing the piano surrounded by family and friends.

Mrs. Dulles is survived by four children; Mrs. Edith Lawlis Dulles of Dallas, Texas, John F. Dulles of Denver, Colorado, Mrs. Ellen Dulles-Coelho of San Antonio, Texas and R. Avery Dulles of Austin, Texas; nine grandchildren and six great grandchildren.