Willard Trisvan “Big Boy” Ritter, 76, of Poteau, OK passed away Tuesday, May 31, 2011 in Fort Smith, AR. Willard was born March 27, 1935 in Howe, OK to William Van & Lula (Dodd) Ritter. He was a veteran of the US Army. He worked as a mechanic at the Ford Garage. Willard loved his family, kids, grandkids, and great grandkids. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Clifford Ritter; brothers, William “Short”, Raymond “Cobe”, Frank, & Bill; sister, Savola “Sis” Wise; and great grandson, Dylan Ritter.
Survivors include his wife Mary of the home; 3 sons & their wives, Eugene & Linda Ritter of Poteau, Charles & Vicki Ritter of Bentonville, AR, Michael & Amie Ritter of Poteau, OK; 6 grandchildren, Chris Ritter, Victoria Ramirez, Mark Ritter, Madison Ritter, Felicia Hudlow and Russell Moore; 8 great grandchildren; sisters & brother in law, Marcella Waymire of Poteau, Faye Humphries, Truman & Jeannie Hill of Monroe; brother & sister in law, Cleo & Paula Ritter of Cameron; special friends, Bill & Joy Jones of Poteau.
Services will be 2 pm, Friday, June 3, 2011 at the First Free Will Baptist Church, Poteau, with Rev. Jim Cook officiating. Interment will follow in Springhill Cemetery, Monroe, OK. Pallbearers will be Chris Ritter, Mark Ritter, Russell Moore, Eugene Ritter, Charles Ritter, & Michael Ritter. The family will be at the funeral home on Thursday evening from 6-8 pm to visit with relatives & friends.