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Betty Adele (Cochrane) Ritz died after a brief illness on September 25, 2014. She was born on August 4, 1918 in Fox Lake, Wisconsin. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Martel Cochrane and Sarah Elizabeth “Sadie” (Grebe) Cochrane and her husband Richard John Ritz.
Betty attended Lawrence University and graduated from the University of Wisconsin where she met Richard John “Dick” Ritz. After graduation Betty taught home economics. Following her marriage, Betty was required to resign as married teachers were not allowed to teach.
Betty and Dick subsequently moved to Norman in 1947 choosing to locate in a college town with a great football team. Betty has been a diehard Sooner fan ever since.
Betty was a devoted mother who lovingly raised three sons on her own after the untimely death of her husband. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, mother-in-law, aunt, co-worker, and friend. She welcomed all into her house for good food, refreshment, an extra bed, and great conversations.
Betty worked at Security National Bank retiring in 1985 after almost 30 years of service. Many of Betty’s former customers still remember her bright smile and helpful attitude.
Since moving to Norman, Betty was active in McFarlin Memorial United Methodist Church until her health precluded her attendance. Betty was a member of Delta Gamma fraternity for over 75 years, having served on the House Corporation and advisory board of the Alpha Iota chapter at OU. Betty also was a long time member of McFarlin Circle 4, Altrusa International, the Edgemere Garden Club, and various bridge groups.
Betty loved to travel and was blessed to have special friends and travel companions, Lucy Todd, Kay Graham and Margaret Baird. Together they made over 45 trips to all parts of the world. Lucy and Kay predeceased Betty.
Betty leaves behind three sons and their families: Michael Cochrane Ritz, wife Sharon Gafford Ritz from Memphis, TN, their children, Michele Ann Ritz Jones and her husband Brad and their son Marshall from Atlanta, GA and Kevin Gafford Ritz and his wife Anna from Memphis, TN; Robert James Ritz, wife Barbara Manbeck Ritz from San Diego, CA and their children Betsy Ritz Gorosics and her husband Gregory from New Orleans, LA and Richard Ritz and his son Elijah from Austin, TX; and John Wesley Ritz and wife Barbara Lynn (Lindy) Gans Ritz from Norman.
The family wishes to give special thanks to all her friends, acquaintances, and care givers for their ongoing support.
Acknowledgments may be made to Delta Gamma Alpha Iota Building Fund, 744 Elm Street, Norman, OK, 73069; Center for Children and Families, 210 S. Cockrel Avenue, Norman, OK 73071; McFarlin Memorial United Methodist Church, 419 S. University Blvd., Norman, OK, 73072 or your favorite charity.
A memorial service will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Thursday, October 16, 2014 at McFarlin Memorial United Methodist Church, 419 S. University Blvd., Norman, OK, 73072.
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