Ernestine Rowe Ritter

Ernestine Ritter passed away peacefully with grace and dignity on Monday August 13, 2012, at her home in Sierrra Madre, CA. With her were her long-time caregiver, Freddie Garcia; her daughter, Anne; and Anne's husband, David Johanson. Ernestine was born on March 5, 1924, the eldest child of four, to Dascomb and Ruth Rowe. She grew up in Waterbury, Vermont and throughout her life treasured the Green Mountain state and its people. She attended the University of Chicago and graduated with a BA and an MBA in 1945. There she met her husband Emil R. Ritter, MD. In 1956, they settled in Arcadia, CA and remained there until 2006, when Dr. Ritter passed. They were deeply in love throughout their 61 years of marriage. Ernestine was a woman of many talents and interests. She was a devoted wife and mother, an avid tennis player and fan, a sports enthusiast, an accomplished singer and articulate speaker, a thought provoking conversationalist, a student of literature and the arts, a world traveler, a lover of dogs and, in particular, her dog, Eddy. She and Dr. Ritter treated their children to countless adventures -- trips to their ranch in central CA, long weekends at a La Jolla tennis resort, skiing outings in the Sierra Nevadas, and vacations at a beach house in Long Beach. As a couple, they became famous for their prowess on the dance floor. Mrs. Ritter was a benefactor to many charitable organizations, including Doctors Without Borders, the University of Chicago, and Harvard University. Mrs. Ritter also was an active financial supporter of the Democratic Party and a supporter of the League of Women Voters. Ernestine had a dry sense of humor. She was kind and gentle, vibrant, dynamic, and fun. She was a great lover of people. Mrs. Ritter invested her life in learning a lot and being friendly, honoring a motto that Dr. Ritter lived by during his life. She resonated with people of all ages, ethnicities, and cultural backgrounds. She had an open mind and heart and loved both to listen and to converse. She entertained family and friends tirelessly and showered them with generous support. Ernestine was particularly clever in telling stories that included her wit, her experience, and her wisdom. Ernestine is survived by her five children. Her eldest child, Susan, is now 63. David is 61 and has two children, Sarah, 28, and Bill, 27. Tom is now 59. Ernestine's youngest son, Mark, 56, is married to Kathy. They have three children, Emil, 28, Mikaela, 25, and Annalise, 20. Ernestine's youngest child, Anne Marie, now 48, is married to David Johanson, and has two step-children, Dave Johanson, II, 33, and Britta Mae Hansen, 29, and three step-grandchildren, Nora, 6, Soren, 4, and Susanna, 5 months. Ernestine's family requests that if you are inclined, you may make a donation in her memory to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation, PO Box 515, Northampton, MA 01061-0515 or at www.macular.org/howhelp.html.