Leona Grace Ritter, 73, Upland, passed away at 4:30 am on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, in Van Buren. She was born in Findlay, Ohio, on Tuesday, January 27, 1953, to Kenneth Stump and Emily (Lobdell) Miller. She married Charles “Charlie” Ritter and he survives.
Grace, as she was known, graduated from Marion High School. She worked as a nursing assistant with the VA Northern Indiana Health Care System for 32 years, retiring in September 2013. Grace enjoyed country music concerts, fishing, camping, and relaxing on the beaches of Alabama. She and her husband, Charlie, especially cherished their fishing trips to South Carolina. She also enjoyed visiting the casino and cheering on her grandchildren and great-grandchildren at their ball games. Known for her biggest heart and loving spirit, Grace was the matriarch of her family. Thoughtful, strong, and affectionately known as the “boss lady,” she was always there for those she loved. She treasured spending time with her family, and her grandchildren were truly the light of her life. She and Charlie cared for many foster care children in their home over the years. They remained in contact with them even though they are grown adults now. She and Charlie shared 43 happy years of marriage, creating a legacy of love that will be cherished for generations.
Along with her husband, Charlie, those left to cherish her memory are her children, Charles (Deana) Ritter, Jr. of Marion, Rose (Lupe) Cadena of Van Buren, Aceup Dollar, Jr of Upland, Bethany (Jason) Hodupp, Kaneta (Ed) Purvis of Somerset, KY, Stacie Lakin of Upland, daughter, Betty (James) Dudley of Van Buren; son-in-law, Dave Mcallister; brother, Orville Stump; 21 grandchildren; 35 great grandchildren; and 1 great-great grandchild.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth Stump and Emily Miller; daughter, Lorie Mcallister; sister, Hazel “Louise” Hawkins; brother, Kenneth R. Stump; and grandson, William McDonald.
The family will receive visitors from 9:00 am to 11:00 am on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, Storey Chapel, 400 E. Main St, Gas City, IN.
Immediately following the time of visitation, a service to celebrate Grace’s life will begin at 11:00 am with David Ring officiating. Burial will take place at Jefferson Cemetery.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.
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