Karen M. Ritter's Obituary
Karen “Pearl” M. Ritter, age 49 of Lewes, DE passed away suddenly on Monday, October 18, 2010. She was born April 18, 1961 in Heidelberg, Germany, daughter of Dorothy M. (Charlton) Hakes of Williamsport, PA and the late Kenneth G. Bowers.
Mrs. Ritter graduated from Williamsport, PA Area High School, and from Williamsport Area Community College in 1981 with an Associate’s Degree in Graphic Design. Karen owned a number of businesses over the years which stemmed from her artistic nature. In 1988, she became a wholesale distributor for Meyda-Tiffany stained glass lamps. Karen and her husband Bob started their own company which continues to operate today called Donnybrook Sales of Delaware. Karen loved to garden, create flower arrangements and wow her family and friends with her culinary talents. She was considered a gourmet Italian chef by many. Karen believed in the immeasurable goodness of the Southern Delaware Therapeutic & Recreational Horseback Riding (SDTRHR) organization; an organization to which she was committed and for which she tirelessly raised funds. Karen was a true matriarch who will be lovingly remembered and sorely missed.
In addition to her mother, Mrs. Ritter is survived by her loving husband of 29 years Robert L. Ritter; two sons: Joseph G. Ritter of Milford, DE and Robert Noah Ritter of Lewes; a daughter Sarah Ashlea Ritter of Lewes; step-father, Carl F. Hakes of Williamsport, PA; brother, Kenneth Glen Bowers of Williamsport; sister-in-law Theresa S. Cain and husband Brian L. of Hummelstown, PA; a niece Alisha M. Cain; a nephew Eric B. Cain; and her dog Ricky.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, October 23, 2010, at 3:00 PM, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE. Friends may call at the funeral home beginning at 2:00 PM. Interment will be private.
A second service in honor of Karen will be held Saturday, October 30, 3:00 PM at the Pine Street United Methodist Church, 441 Pine Street, Williamsport, PA with Pastor Aden Wertz officiating. Friends may call at the church beginning at 2:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to SDTRHR, PO Box 219, Nassau, DE 19969 or to the SPCA, 22918 DuPont Blvd., Georgetown, DE 19947.
Please sign online guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com
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