Obituary of Loretta Ritthaler

Mrs. Loretta Jean Ritthaler beloved wife of Ernie; passed away at the age of 68 years on Friday, March 30, 2007 at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre, Yorkton Saskatchewan following a lengthy struggle with cancer. As she had said often of her battle with cancer "I've done everything I could". Loretta was born on August 20, 1938 at Kelliher, Sask. The second of three daughters born to Ranald Stewart and Golda Mae (nee Clark) Hood. Loretta received her education at Hew Haven and The Kellliher High School. Upon graduating she began Nurses training at the Yorkton Union Hospital graduating in 1959. Loretta met Ernie Ritthaler and they were married in 1960. They have two chosen children, Robert in 1969 and Deborah in 1971. Loretta's working life began from 1959 - 1966 on the maternity ward in Yorkton. In 1972 Ernie was transferred to Churchill MB. They lived there for 6 ½ years with one hiatus in Yorkton in 1975. Her work involved general nursing duties at the Churchill Hospital. In 1979 Loretta and Ernie moved back to Yorkton where she was employed with the Saskatchewan Heart Foundation for two years, then for Home Care for ten years. During this time she obtained a certificate in Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, completed in 1995. In 1999 Loretta started working as an instructor with SIAST teaching practical nursing which she found exciting and rewarding. Loretta retired in 2005 in Yorkton where she has made her home. When she was not at work a career/vocation that she loved, Loretta enjoyed photography and was a lady who always had a smile. She leaves to cherish her memory and to celebrate her life her husband Ernie; two children: Robert and Deborah all of Yorkton; a grandson Jeremy of Yorkton; sisters: Joyce (Glenn) Laycock of Saltcoats, SK., Marguerite (Dale) Lang of Westbank, BC. her aunt Florence Wilson of Kelliher, SK along with her nieces, nephews and friends. Loretta was predeceased by her parents Ranald and Golda Mae Hood. The funeral service was held on Tuesday afternoon, April 3, 2007 from St. Andrew's United Church Yorkton, Saskatchewan with Pastor Doug Craig Officiating. Shani Apland was the organist leading the congregation and choir in the Hymns: "In The Garden" and " In The Bulb There Is A Flower". The St. Andrew's Choir Anthem was "Just A Closer Walk With Thee". Reflections of Loretta' s life were given by her grandson Jeremy Ritthaler with himself and Loretta's son Robert serving as Urn Bearers. The interment will take place at the Kelliher Memorial Gardens at a later date. cremation and funeral arrangements are by Bailey's Funeral Home Yorkton Service Information Tuesday, April 3rd, 2007 2:00pm, St. Andrew's United Church