What a loss this is for us all. My Lori, was best friends with Cathy, and I was very close with Cathy and Harry. We are like each other's family. Cosmic Cathy, is what we called her. She seemed to float effortlessly over the frequencies of the universe. Anyone that knew her, would understand what I mean. She had a very deep, or old soul. Had been here many times before. In my mind she would have been Amelia Earhart, then Marie Antoinette prior to that, and then probably Cleopatra before that. And she was a Renaissance woman. One day she'd be camping with Harry, digging a hole to do her business, and the next day  In a long black gown, with long black silk gloves, holding a cigarette holder, looking simply fabulous! It is said, that people won't remember what you said, or did. They will remember how you made them feel. Cathy was a joy to be around, and made everyone feel comfortable. Fly high sweet sister!

Cathy was a beautiful light that we all had the good fortune of having pass through our lives. We met about 25  years ago and had an immediate connection. That never changed.

She told me about her life… how she met the love of her life Harry, and married him in a field with flowers in her hair. She told me of their life together living in Eagle Nest. And about all the friends they made there. And Julie, her sweet friend, who was the constant  in her life .  She told me about becoming parents to 2 beautiful girls, Jenny & Sarah. and the wonderful gift of being a grandmother to sweet Liberty.
Her family became mine too.

 She told me about her brother's.  Al the sailor,  Michael & the tree houses, and Tom and the vineyard.  And about the hurt of losing her brother Jeff too soon.  About her sisters.  Janet who sailed the ocean & Suzanne the free spirited artist  & Mary Jo who was always giving to others. She shared all of you with me. She never held back, she loved you, you were part of her. 

I read something the day that I got the news she was gone. It stopped me in my tracks & it took my breath away. In that moment I knew exactly how I felt & how I would always feel from that day forward.  It was just 2 simple lines…

Since we met, I’ve loved you your whole life.
Now that you’re gone, I'll miss you the rest of mine.

And in those words, I was hit with the realization that I would never get another phone call, never hear her amazing voice or infectious laughter again, never see her beautiful face or get the chance to hug her again. I crumbled, my world shifted, it seems impossible that my life will ever be the same again. 
I have lost a huge piece of my heart. A friend so special, so brutally honest, loyal, sweet, and kind, she could never be replaced. 
So yes -
Since we met, I’ve loved her her whole life. 

But the hardest part is...

Now that she's gone, I'll miss you the rest of mine. -

Sending love and condolences to help keep you strong …you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers

What a beautiful soul Cathy was. From the moment I met her, she welcomed me with open arms, treating me not just as a friend but as part of her family—a family she built beyond blood with her kindness and love. Her sense of humor and infectious laugh could light up any room, and I’ll miss that joy forever. Most visits to her and Harry came with a list of chores she needed help with, but seeing her smile made it all worthwhile. Helping Harry build her dream “she shed” is a memory I’ll always cherish, filled with laughter and teamwork. 
But my fondest moments were spent with our feet in the river, lawn chairs sunk into the bank, surrounded by friends, family, neighbors, and cold drinks. Cathy could talk for hours about anything and everything, her warmth making everyone feel at home. She was a mother figure to me, one of the most loving and radiant people I’ve ever known. The love, the long soaks in the creek, the feeling of belonging—those gifts she gave me will never fade. As long as I’m alive, her light will live on in my heart. My deepest condolences to her incredible family.
-Joe

Our love to you all as you gather to celebrate Cathy’s life.  ❤️

Bruce & Melissa

Catherine …just know how much you will be missed ..I think of you all day long .. my tequila sipping friend, love you and your family .  Still having a hard time wrapping my head around you being gone. Many memories afraid to post for public but know that I will miss your friendship

To Harry,  Jennifer, Sarah, Annie and Liberty, and all Cathy's Siblings , and Julie, 
How blessed we are to have this Beautiful Soul in our lives ❤️.   As difficult it is for me I know it's so much harder with you.   Her Love is powerful and is   resides always within each of us.  I'm eternally grateful!   I Love you my dearest friend and I will miss you.  Julie Uli 💜

Cathy and I were lift operators in 1979 at Angel Fire Ski Resort, NM.  We had so much fun riding the bus to the back basin, we would sing and laugh every time.   My three girls and I would go to Santa Fe and  visit,  when the family moved to Arizona, they would come home on the 4th of July to see us.   Harry is the love of her life, and two beautiful girls, Jennifer and Sarah, who she Adored and her little Liberty her shining  Star.   I miss my old friend 🧡 You will always be in my heart Cathy.

Recently, I called Bro Harry and Cathy answered. She said that Harry went out to run errands and left his phone at home. We decided that he did that “accidentally on purpose” because Harry hates cellphones. She and I spent 15-20 minutes together just catching up with pleasant conversation. I say pleasant because in the 50 years of knowing her, I never had any other kind of conversation except pleasant because that’s who she is.
God Bless You, my sister in law.

OBITUARY

Catherine Garnier Ritthaler

September 1, 1958 – March 31, 2025

Green Acres Mortuary & Cemetery

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