Eloise Ritzman

Eloise Ritzman, daughter of Harry Edward Dunlop and Cora Martha Schuttler Dunlop, was born March 16, 1922 near Ogden, Iowa on "The Bank Farm" and died November 19, 2012 at the Rowley Memorial Masonic Home in Perry, Iowa, at the age of 90 years. Eloise, her big sister Frances, and brother Russell grew up during the Depression era. She attended grade school near Ogden in Boone County. At age 9 she got very ill with typhoid fever which caused her to miss much of the school year, so she skipped the 3rd grade. When Eloise was 11 she was the Boone County spelling champion. She got to stay in the Savory Hotel in Des Moines where she took her 1st shower. Eloise's family moved near Beaver, Iowa where she attended her last year of high school in 1939. After high school Eloise went to college at York, Nebraska for 1 year and then to Simpson College in Indianola for 1 year where she received her teaching certificate. Thanks to her good friend, Lorraine Davidson, she met the love of her life, Dean Ritzman. Eloise taught at Maple Grove one room school, and then for 5th and 6th grade in Jamaica, Iowa for 2 years. On August 23, 1943 she was united in marriage with Dean DeWitt Ritzman in Moville, Iowa. To this union, three daughters were born: Deanette, Cheryl and Carolyn. Eloise and Dean were known for their vegetable and fruit produce that they shared with all. From morning till night Eloise strove to make a home. From the most basic ingredients, she created warmth, comfort, and love. Eloise had the unofficial longest record for being the secretary treasurer of the Sunday School at Shiloh Bible Church on the Dawson Road. She was a member of Lucky Laurel and Stitch & Chatter Clubs. Eloise was a great role model, mother, and grandmother who was always there for her family. She instilled her love of travel to her daughters. Eloise was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 68 years Dean Ritzman ( Feb. 3, 2011); Eloise is survived by her daughters: Deanette Snyder (Lee) of rural Minburn; Cheryl Hathaway (Bob) of Illinois; & Carolyn Snyder (Paul) of rural Perry; nine grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; sister Frances Schmidt of Jefferson; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Memorials in Eloise's name may be left at Hastings Funeral Home for the Raccoon River Bible Camp, Scranton, Iowa. www.hastingsfh.com