March 30, 1935 – April 27, 2025
Graveside services for Jerald Ritter, 90, of Blackgum, were held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at Box Cemetery in Vian, under the direction of Agent Mallory Martin Funeral Service, Inc.
Mr. Ritter was born on March 30, 1935, in the Box community, to Ethel (McFarland) Ritter and Albert Ritter. He passed away on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at his home.
He married Lola (Booker) Ritter on Oct. 18, 1956, in Stigler.
He was a talented musician known for his skills on the fiddle, guitar and mandolin, as well as being a vocalist and songwriter. He was part of the Ritter Family Band, was in the hall of fame for fiddlers, and performed for many years in Branson, Mo. He also enjoyed woodworking, painting and gardening.
Survivors include his wife, Lola, of the home; son, Steve Ritter and Alisa Simmons of McKinney, Texas; daughter, Jeri Ritter and Gaylene Weideman of Vian; and many other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; seven brothers, Herman, Lovely, Merel, T.J., Billy, Glyn and Lyn; and two sisters, Wilma Elbon and Ruby Mickey.
