Dixie Ritz was born January 13, 1935 near Longdale, Oklahoma to Pete and Lillian (Hurt) Meyer. She passed away on Sunday, September 9, 2018, surrounded by her family at the age of 83.
Dixie married Lester “John” Ritz, November 15, 1953. They were blessed with five children, Jana, Judy, John, Joyce and Jim, seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren. She was active in her children’s activities, serving as Cub Scout Leader, Girl Scout Leader, little league baseball and softball score keeper, and 4-H leader. She was a member of the Order of the Rainbow for Girls, and received their highest honor, “The Grand Cross of Color”.
The Yukon School System was also a vital part of Dixie’s life. During her children’s school years, she held several volunteer positions including local and state PTA offices, and helped start elementary school libraries in Shedeck, Central, and Myers Schools. She was a helping hands volunteer before it was known as “helping hands.” Dixie served on Yukon’s Board of Education for 32 years.
Through the years, Dixie’s service to the community led to several honors including Canadian County’s Homemaker of the Year, Yukon’s Woman of the Year, and H.B. Frank Citizen of the Year. She was named to Yukon Historical Society’s Wall of Fame, an honorary member of Delta Kappa Gamma, member of Mayview Home Extension Club, and a founding member of Yukon Community Education. She was a member of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) where she served as Elder.
Throughout her life, Dixie enjoyed camping, fishing, watching her daughter’s horses race, reading, and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Dixie is preceded in death by her husband, John, her parents, sister, Pat Bumpers, and brothers, Jack and Bob Meyer.
She is survived by children: Jana and Dennis Waller, Judy Ritz, John and Nancy Ritz, Joyce Ritz, and Jim and Karen Ritz; grandchildren: Jenny and Scott York, Sarah and Chris Dalley, Katie Ritz, Samantha Ritz, Benjamin Ritz, Matthew Ritz and Kelsey Ritz and great grandchildren: Maya and Andrew.
Viewing will be held Friday, September 14, 2018, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. A celebration of Dixie’s life was scheduled for Saturday, September 15, 2018, at 10 a.m. with services at First Christian Church of Yukon with interment following at Yukon Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Yukon Public Schools Foundation for Excellence, First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Yukon, or a charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be signed at http://www.yandafuneral.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Yanda & Son Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Yukon, OK.
