Pamela S. Ritter

RITTER, Pamela S.
Portage, MI

Pamela Sue Ritter passed away on Saturday, September 19, 2020 after a lengthy illness, at Rose Arbor Hospice at the age of 64 years old. When Pamela Sue Brooks was born on September 17, 1956, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, her father, Herbert Hoover Brooks was 28, and her mother, Geneva McCarver, was 23. The family had only moved to Michigan from Alabama just a few years before and were still struggling to learn their way around this strange new land and culture. They never did leave behind their deep southern roots, nor their accents! Pam was born the fourth of six daughters. She spent the majority of her childhood living in the same home at 915 Dewey Street in Kalamazoo along with older sisters Janie, Charlotte and Kathy as well as younger sisters Theresa Kay and Vicki. Around 1961, she began her education in Kalamazoo Public Schools where she met her lifelong friend, Beatrice Rice. Bea and Pam spent much of their time together growing up. They remained friends throughout their lifetimes.

By the time she was 7 years old her parents had divorced and by the time she was 11 both had remarried. Her mother married Maynard Hills, which added a stepfather to the picture along with four step-brothers, Mike, Mark, John and Maynard Jr. Her father married Hilda Cook, adding a step-brother, Ron and two new step sisters, Pat and Barb to the family. Pam was exceptionally close with her family, especially her mother! Pam was a housekeeper at LaQuinta Inns & Suites, the Red Roof Inn and at Bronson Hospital. In 2000, on her 44th birthday, she married the love of her life, Ronald Gene Ritter. Nothing could bring Pam greater joy than her grandkids and great-grandkids, whom she loved dearly and loved to spoil especially on Christmas.

Her final years left her in much pain, suffering from a broken hip and back, COPD as well as the loss of use of her left eye. Despite all the family loss and tragedy she experienced during her life, and thanks to Ron and Pam's faith, the final 20 years of her life she experienced the love, care and respect she had longed for. She had never been happier!

She leaves behind her husband Ron Ritter; her daughter Heather, her son in law Tom; her son Ryan and his girlfriend Chelsea; grandson Dallis and his fiance Sam; granddaughter Rita and her husband Dillion; grandson Brendan; great-grandchildren: Honor, Ava, Aiden and Hunter; as well as her sister Theresa Kay Verville in addition to several nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Pam was preceded in death by her mom Geneva Hills, step-dad Maynard Hills, father Herbert Hoover Brooks, step-mother Hilda Brooks; son James Scott Baker, daughter Melanie Ann Baker; sisters: Janie Goswick, Charlotte Downer, Kathy Hauck, and Vicki Kahl.

Pam will be greatly missed and remembered for always being kind, loving, caring and with a fighting spirit. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan or the Ronald McDonald House.

A celebration of life 'Shindig' will be held in Pam's honor on Saturday, September 26th, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. at her daughter and son-in-law's home. Please contact immediate family for the location.

Please visit Pam's tribute wall to leave a condolence or personal memory of her at https://www.langelands.com