M. Ruth Ritter, 98, New Bremen, died at 12:49 p.m. May 2, 2011, at Joint Township District Memorial Hospital, St. Marys.

She was born March 27, 1913, in New Bremen, to Frederick and Margaret Ratler Gilberg. On Aug. 27, 1936, she married Paul J. Ritter Sr., who died on May 2, 2000.

Surviving are sons, William (Margaret) Ritter, and Paul Jr. (Bettye) Ritter; a daughter-in-law, Sue (Dennis) Ritter-Burnell, a son-in-law, John Knost; 14 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren.

Deceased are a son, Joseph Ritter; a daughter, Margaret "Peg" Knost; brothers, Paul F. Gilberg, Frederick Gilberg and an infant brother; and sisters Lillian Stovlbeck and Gertrude Thielker.

She was a charter member of the Church of the Holy Redeemer in New Bremen. A 1930 graduate of New Bremen High School, she was a 1933 graduate of St. Rita's School of Nursing. She was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary in St. Marys, American Legion Post 241 Auxiliary, New Bremen, and Eagles Lodge 1391 Auxiliary in Minster.

She was a private duty nurse in the New Bremen area.

Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Friday at the church, the Revs. Thomas Mannebach and Ray Aichley officiating. Burial will follow in German Protestant Cemetery, New Bremen.

Calling is 3-7 p.m. Thursday at Gilberg-Hartwig Funeral Home, New Bremen, and 9:30-10 a.m. Friday at the church, when a rosary will be prayed.

Memorial contributions may be made to the church memorial fund or to the American Diabetes Association.