Dear Anita and Family,
Please accept our deepest sympathies.  Having recently learned of Martha's passing, I am still in shock and without words worthy of her honor ... there really are none, except to echo the heartfelt sorrow each of you holds at the loss of her physically on this earth.  It was my absolute privilege and impossible task of substituting for Martha her final year at SJB.  Her wonderful, iconic presence remained in her classroom and was so greatly evident by the love and admiration those blessed children revealed daily in her absence, esp. during morning prayer, religion class,  or their retelling her delightful stories and jokes.  I pray you will find peace and comfort in not only sweet, treasured memories of your dearly Beloved but also in the tremendous legacy of the countless lives she impacted with her many God-given talents, dedication, and love.  So blessed and grateful for Martha!  May she rest in the embrace of Our Savior, and may Jesus and Mary also hold you close.
Barbara Williams and Family                         



My deepest condolences to Martha's loved ones.  I had the privilege of teaching with her for a few years at St. John's where she truly lived her vocation as an educator.  Many lives were forever changed by the many ways she inspired others to do their best.  Her radiant smile, infectious laugh, and dedication to her call  will live on in my memory.  I am grateful that our paths crossed and trust that the many beautiful memories you have will comfort and sustain you as you grieve.  
Mary Franch 

Just last week, I was telling my girlfriend about Martha Rittenburg during a conversation we were having about the best teachers we had while we were growing up. I would have never thought she would have passed away only a few days later.

Martha was my teacher in the 5th grade and 8th grade at St. John’s. She was kind, intelligent, thoughtful, and strict, and her mastery of teaching English was unparalleled. 

On the day I graduated from CU with a bachelor’s degree in Linguistics, I thought of Martha and knew how proud she would have been. 

Mrs. Rittenburg was a wonderful teacher for all 3 of my children.  They each had very different personalities and she was able to understand and affirm each one and offer them all an excellent learning experience.  Our family felt deep heartache when we learned of her passing and we hold her precious family in our prayers. We are so grateful that her path crossed our own.
Courtney Gambrell
(Bill - and Sam, Katie, and Jack).

Martha Rittenburg always said that Jesus was the greatest teacher. In my opinion, she was a very close second. 
Every so often, you meet a person that changes your life. For me, Martha was one of those people. As my teacher & confirmation sponsor, she taught me far more than proper grammar and punctuation; she taught me God’s love. (Although, I’ll never forget that “Not is NOT a verb.”)
Every time I put on a polo, I hear her voice: "Tuck in your shirt. Where's your belt?" Every paper I've written, I've thought about her. She tried to convert me to an English/Literature loving human... while I loved learning from her (even when it involved reading poetry), I’m a scientist at heart. At least I'm a scientist that knows grammar.
She taught me to love God and speak with Him as a friend. She taught me to pray daily and trust His Word. Through her compassionate love, I caught a glimpse of God’s unending love. My faith is as strong as it is today because of her.
While the world is a bit darker without her, heaven is that much brighter. I know we will meet again one day; for that, I’m eternally grateful.
Rest In Peace. You deserve it after teaching middle school for all those years.

Heavenly Father, lift our sweet Martha to kiss Your most holy face. Hold her gently in Your loving arms and fill her with the everlasting peace of Your presence.  Amen.

Martha, I love you and I will pray for you.  
Peace to Anita, Liz and Rick.

In Christ,
Jan

How does one say goodbye to a dear friend of 42 years. Martha was such a special friend. She was the first voice I would hear when I needed to be comforted in times of strife, and she was always ready to share a funny story to lighten the day. My favorite memories will always be of the many years we spent together working as music ministers for the church. It was such an honor to share music with the congregations, and to work with Martha was particularly blessed for she had a true gift. I picture her now in Heaven singing in God's choir with her beautiful voice.  
Martha was equally gifted in the artistic arts which she passed down to her daughters. She was always so proud of them and I know they will move forward in their lives sharing  her gentle spirit and kindness to others they meet. 
My life has been so enriched from knowing her, and I will always remember her in the music, and watching her beautiful daughters in the passage of their lives.

Dear Anita and family, 
Our thoughts and prayers  are with all of you. Martha’s many talents were a blessing for my life and those she taught.  

My daughter said that she used Mrs. R’s grammar lessons daily, especially in high school and college. 

One of my favorite memories was when we were getting ready for a new school year and ordering supplies.  Many of the newer teachers needed so many supplies, books, furniture, paper  and materials.   My son was helping us take everything to the middle school. For one teacher it took several trips with carts, elevators and lots of muscle. Then it was time to bring over what Martha ordered for her school year. My son came and asked if her request could be correct. I double checked her supply order and told him it was right.   What Martha needed for her 37th year of teaching was exactly one thing. A full box of staples. That was it! 
 
Rest In Peace Martha.  The peace of Christ to Anita, Liz and Rick. 



 Richard, Anita and Elizabeth,
Tuned in for the online rosary and got a bonus slide show.  Great slide show, so many memories.  I shall always remember her as a 
phenomenal teacher and good person.  She had all 3 of my children.

Condolences to you all,

Rest in peace Martha.

Martha was a great teacher! She taught my oldest two and did a fantastic job! Not only in grammar and religion but inherent faith as well .  My kids adored her and said she told good stories her life had lots of meaning to all the kids hearts she touched. May she Rest In Peace! Our deepest Condolences from the Morris family! 

Mrs. Rittenburg, 

You were my saving grace in 5th grade. You were the light that was needed in my dark tunnel. You shared your love of education with me and my love for it blossomed because of you. 

I loved being in your class, and I loved seeing you around. You always remembered me and that always brought a smile to my face. 

The world lost an amazing shining bright light. I’m thankful I had you as a teacher, and a mentor. 

You will be greatly missed! 

Mrs. Rittenburg was a warm hearted soul who made everyone she met feel special.   

For many years, our family sat a row or two behind Martha at Saturday evening Mass.  It was a great vantage point to witness the many friends, colleagues, parents, and students who made it a point to stop by and talk with her afterwards.  Every weekend was a mini tribute to her tremendous positive impact at St. John's school.  

Heaven has gained a  beautiful light.

Martha was my hero. She was a strong women with a great sense of humor. When the Powell, Keller’s & Bilodeau got together there was a fun time in the old town.   She was brave to Pursue her dream of being a teacher, and move to Colorado and make her life in the mountains. 

I FIRST MET MARTHA IN THE EARLY 90’S WHEN I WAS  TEACHING D.A.R.E  IN HER FIFTH GRADE CLASS. THERE I WAS A POLICE OFFICER, SUPPOSED TO BE VERY CONFIDENT, YET I FELT VERY INTIMIDATED BY HER. THAT INTIMIDATION WAS SHORT LIVED ONCE I GOT TO KNOW HER AND HER FUNNY SARCASTIC COMMENTS. IN TALKING TO HER STUDENTS THEY WERE ALSO FEARFUL OF HAVING HER AS A TEACHER BECAUSE SHE EXPECTED A LOT FROM THEM. BY THE TIME THEY GRADUATED FROM ST. JOHN’S THEY WOULD SAY MARTHA WAS THEIR FAVORITE TEACHER. 
IT’S NOT EASY TO SAY GOODBYE TO A 30 YEAR FRIENDSHIP, SO I WON’T. INSTEAD I’LL SAY BON VOYAGE AND CATCH YA ON THE FLIP SIDE!

Mrs. Rittenburg was easily the best teacher I’ve ever had the pleasure of learning from. She challenged her students to be better every day, and made being in class a joy. She unearthed a love of writing in me that I didn’t know existed until being in her class. Some of my fondest middle school memories were in her classroom. Her stories and her humor made English classes so enjoyable for me. Her devotion to God and her students was admirable and something I will never forget. She made me feel so special and loved, and for that I will endlessly be grateful. I will carry the lessons she taught and the memories I have of her with me forever. 
Sending love and prayers to her loved ones. She will be dearly missed. 

I remember I used to be terrified but also loved Mrs. Rittenburg. I would be scared to do our daily English challenges where we had to go up to the board and fix a sentence. It was always a dreadful day when you got picked. At least for me. I also remember she was the only teacher to catch me wearing nail polish the one day I thought I could try.  Instead of recess outside I had to stay indoors for "detention". 

But looking back on it, those things were trivial. Mrs. Rittenburg could be tough, but she was fair. She was kind and funny. Most of all, she taught me about faith and love. She always had her special prayer or thought for the day when we started class. She also had the most beautiful voice at mass. She always wanted the best in her students. When my dad was in a car accident, she was the first one to pull me aside and ask if I was okay. She had so many students and faculty to care for, yet she made each of us feel so specially loved.

Mrs. Rittenburg, you were and still are a gift to the St. John's community. Thank you for being not only an amazing teacher, but being a source of inspiration. We love and miss you. 

Mrs. Rittenburg was one of the best teachers that I ever had. I will never forget the stories that she shared with the class. 

I trace my love for writing back to Mrs. Rittenburg’s fifth grade class. I have fond memories of her guiding us through daily journaling assignments and working with me on my leatherback turtle research paper—the first paper I ever wrote. Future generations of students lost one of the best teachers they’d ever have. But I am thankful for the profound gift you were to me and every other student who was lucky enough to sit in your class. Thank you, Mrs. Rittenburg.

Bless Martha for coming into our lives and especially our daughter. Before we left St John's and Longmont...she told me the potential that she saw in our daughter.  Well, I took her advise and I never gave up...always reminding our daughter; "remember what Mrs Rittenburg said!" Thanks to Martha's wisdom, our daughter is now an Attorney....and we know that your spirit lives inside all of us. God speed Martha

Sincere condolences from the Hartigan Family.  Mary & Sean both benefited from Martha’s wonderful teaching.  May she rest in God’s arms!  Prayers for comfort for all who k ew and loved her.

Mrs. Rittenburg was one of my favorite teachers of all time! This is such sad news to hear but I will always remember her fondly. She was always so supportive of my ambition and never stopped encouraging me to speak up and keep writing. Her words of encouragement and unending kindness pushed me toward the career I have today and helped me transform from a shy student to a confident attorney.
 She will be dearly missed and always remembered. 

I am so sorry for your loss. Martha touched so many lives. She was an amazing woman who will be missed by so many.  Sending you lots of love and strength during this difficult time. 

Mrs. Rittenburg was such an amazing teacher. She was a very strong woman and loved each and everyone of her students. I will never forget any of her amazing stories. She was one of my favorite teachers and will always still be. In honor of her I will keep my English grades up. She will be missed, but she will forever be in our hearts being there every step of our way.

Prayers of comfort to the family.  Lots of good memories with my Bilodeau cousins. 
Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers these next few days.  💜

Rittenburg family,   Please accept our heartfelt condolences.  Know that in the following days you will be in our thoughts.  Whenever the Bilodeau and Keller clan got together there was always a commotion and a lot of laughter.  Marty was always at the center of whatever was going on.  Her Irish eyes are smiling and she will be remembered.  

Cousin Patrick

Mrs. Rittenburg was one of the best teachers I ever had. In 8th grade, her ability to start every class with a prayer has lead to my increase of faith and my daily prayer life. Her humor and the way that she was able to command the room has helped me as an educator. I remember this one time in 8th grade when we as a class were going to play and April Fools prank on her. However, only a couple of us knew so this made it funnier. We had just returned from art class and our vice-principal came by and called Mrs. Rittenburg out of the room. As soon as she left, one of my classmates got up and put a metronome in the tissue box and had it start ticking. When she returned with another student she was so irritated about whatever was talked about in the hall. She came in and demanded that whoever was doing the ticking need to stop and that she was so disappointed in my classmate. When we explained that it was a prank. She started laughing and we all had a good laugh about it! It was a great day.

Mrs. Rittenburg was my 7th and 8th grade grammar teacher. She used to have us write stories off of images that she would put up on the board.  I wanted to thank Mrs.Rittenburg because without her having us write those stories I wouldn’t be writing stories now.  She’s helped me to start writing my story. Since, I wasn’t able to get a letter to her before she sadly died, I decide to write here to thank her. 

Words, however kind, can not explain how grateful I am to have been a part of your life.
You were a true friend that will be deeply missed.
 May you feel peace in God's loving arms

So many memories in 40 years but Superman jammies was the beginning of our girls life long journey......THANK GOD for you!!


Dear Rick, Anita and Liz so sorry to hear of the passing of Marty, my prayers are with all of you.  Take care and stay safe.

Dear Anita and family,
I am so sorry to hear about your mother’s passing.  I know what a loving and close family you are and pray for the Lord’s comfort and peace now and in the days to come. 
You were and always will be a treasured member of the Longmont Public Safety family.


Martha was one of the best teachers I had the pleasure to work with. Thank you for being such an amazing role model. 

We’re so sorry to hear that Martha is gone.  Our son, Jack, was her student at St. John’s many  years ago.  She was truly the best teacher he ever had.  
                                                                                                         Jim and Terrie McManaman

OBITUARY

Martha Anita Rittenburg

December 2, 1952 – April 26, 2020

Howe Mortuary & Crematory

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