Lena Inez Rittley, 72, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family Sunday, September 17, 2017.
She was born on May 19, 1945, in Warren, Arkansas to Austin & Geneva (Parker) Myers. In 1971, she married the love of her life, Thomas Rittley. Together she and Thomas raised their five children. Family was the most important part of Lena’s life. She taught those who came into her life how to love, care for one another and have fun.
She enjoyed all types of flowers from roses to wildflowers growing in a field. She was often spotted by the roadside collecting wildflowers to make a bouquet for her table. Lena was a “people person”. She sold everything from Avon to Bee Line Clothing. Throughout her life, she loved all kinds of music, dancing, and games with her family. Lena overcame many obstacles in her life and always came out on top. She was a dainty woman with a backbone of steel. Her smile will be missed and remembered by all.
Lena is survived by her husband, Thomas of Johannesburg; her children, David (Bernice) Rittley of Johannesburg, Michael (Jessica) Rittley of Alexandria, VA, Stephen (Jean) Rittley of Millersburg, MI, Leah Wagner of Gaylord and Lisa (Rob) Wojtkowiak of Gaylord; her grandchildren, Dale, Daniel, Trish, Theresa, Gabriela, Sebastian, Rachel, Ryan, Casey, Erin, Amy, Robbie, Amanda, Adrienne, Danielle and Donald; her great-grandchildren, Sage, Thomas, Ariveara, Ethan, Collin, Josephine, Kevin, Gabreal, Nicholas, Alexis, Lainey, Maya, Jayde, Alexa, Tayah, Kenly, Isabella, Jackson, Robert and Myla; her siblings, Evelyn Myers, Dennis (Glenda) Myers, Donna (Lynn) Meade, Jerry (Colleen) Myers, Hazel Congdon and Joyce Webber. She also has many nieces and nephews that will miss her dearly.
She was preceded in death by her father- & mother-in-law, Vendal & Margaret Rittley; brothers-in -law, Butch Rittley, Wayne Congdon and Ron Swanson; her brother, Charles Myers; her sisters, Martha Myers and Dixie Swanson and granddaughter, Kayla Wagner.
Funeral services will be held at Nelson Funeral Home on Friday, September 22, 2017. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. with funeral services at 12:00 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to the family.
Friends may post condolences online at www.nelsonsfuneralhome.com.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Nelson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, PO Box 1548, Gaylord MI 49734.
6 comments on “Rittley, Lena Inez”
So sorry for your loss. All the family will be in my thoughts & prayers. May GOD Bless all of you in your time of healing.
So sorry to hear of your loss. Thinking of all the family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
All our love,
John & AnnaMarie Deeter
God bless you all Rittley family! Sorry for your loss!
I was so sad to hear of you all losing Lena. She was very sweet, and firm! Tom, David, Michael, Stephen, Leah and Lisa, be strong, love and miss you all. Betty Lou ( Loucks)
So Sorry for Your Loss! I worked at Hidden Valley With Lena & Steve many years ago. She was such a nice person to work with. My deepest Sympathy to the Family!