Shirley A. Ritter

Amory – Shirley Aster Ritter, 78, passed away on Saturday, January 2, 2016, at her son’s residence in Smithville. Born on August 15, 1937, in Aberdeen, she was a daughter of the late William Charles and Bertha Bell Reese Due.

Shirley was a graduate of Amory High School, Class of 1955. While working at Glenn Manufacturing as a pocket folder, she met Deryle Ritter. A year later, they were married on May 23, 1969. She retired from Walmart as the Fabric Department Manager after 22 years of service. A lady of strong faith, Shirley would make her plans around church activities. An active member of First Presbyterian Church, she worked as a secretary while in high school, served as an Elder, as a Session Clerk, and sang in the choir. Her life was guided by her faith, family, and church family.

Passionate about helping others, Shirley loved to help people and opened her home to many, even strangers. Having a big heart, she was the root foundation of her family and was a Mother-figure for her siblings as they grew up. Shirley was an angel to many as she put others first in taking care of everyone. Always punctual, she never left the house without wearing her earrings, lipstick, and hair brushed.

Shirley was a Lifetime member of the MS National Guard Association, having held every office position. She was an American Red Cross and Amory Food Pantry volunteer. A very gifted seamstress, she enjoyed sewing and making clothes for her children. She was an avid reader and loved flowers. Shirley liked journaling family information and listening to music by The Gaithers and Michael W. Smith.

Survivors include her daughter, Debbie Sanders (Eddie), Amory; sons, Crafton Laney (Marla), Fulton, Truitt Ritter (Christy), Smithville, Tony Ritter (Ginger), Summit, Mike Ritter, Smithville, and Tim Ritter (Rhonda), Evergreen; grandchildren, Andy Prestridge and Kayla Prestridge (Jonathan Thompson); Nicholas, Micah, and Jordan Laney; Daniel and Mason Ritter; Terri Lynn Ritter; great-granddaughters, Breanna Ritter and Joie Laine Thompson; sisters, Susan Due, Jacksonville, AL, and Cindy Myers (Jim), Amory; brother, Randy Due (Sharon), Clarksville, TN; sister-in-law, Dianne Due; several nieces and nephews; special friends, Ila Ree Smith and Birdie Thompson.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 41 years, Deryle Ritter; sisters, Bernice Tomlin and Joan Carol Due; brothers, Charles Alex and Larry Phillip Due; and grandchildren, Jeremy White and Jonathan Ritter.

Her Funeral Service will be held at 1 PM, Tuesday, January 5, 2016, at First Presbyterian Church, Amory, with Dr. Tom Cheatham officiating. Burial will follow in Haughton Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Randall, Kendal, and Rodney Waycaster; Billy Prestage; Chris Bennett; Barry and Cody Cook; and Jim Myers. Honorary pallbearers will be the MS National Guard Association, members of First Presbyterian Church Council; and Walmart employees.

Visitation will be from 5 – 8 PM, Monday, at E. E. Pickle Funeral Home, Amory. She will lie-in-state at the church from Noon – 12:45 PM on Tuesday.

Memorials may be given to First Presbyterian Church, 209 4th St. S, Amory, MS 38821.

Memories and condolences may be shared with her family at EEPickleFuneralHome.com.