Leo Mae Ritter, 79, of Kingsbury, Indiana, passed away on April 23, 2025, at Brentwood of LaPorte, surrounded by her family.
Leo Mae was born on October 4, 1945, in Casey, Illinois, to Oliver and Ruby (Bennett) Cooley.
On August 31, 1968, in Kingsbury, IN, she married Edward Leonard Ritter, Jr., who preceded her in death on August 27, 2009.
Surviving are her children, Julie (Leo) Henricks of North Judson, Mark Ritter of Kingsbury, Sherry (Aaron) Banic of La Porte, James Ritter of La Porte, Debi Ritter of Clark, MO, Dawn Ritter of Michigan City, Edward (Jami) Ritter, Jr. of La Porte, and Ellen (Steve) Mizia of Michigan City; grandchildren, Lance Henricks, Danielle (Mike) Seibt, Marcus (Barb) Ritter, RaeAnn Ritter, Joseph Ritter, Drake (Danielle) Banic, Brent (Emilier DeJesus) Banic, Chandler (Averee Tuholski) Banic, Caitlin, Jacob and Kayla Ritter, Madison (Cosmo) Ritter, Katie (Jeremiah) Stone, Allison Morris, Kris (Trisha) Block, Jessica Walters, Kim (Gabe) Stephenson, Johanna Jones, and Tabetha (Bryce) Bartels; and many great-grandchildren. Leo Mae also leaves behind siblings, Bill Cooley, Ida (Dave) Cook, Orval (Karen) Cooley, Patti (Bruce) Vermilyer, Carl (Sharon) Cooley, Jeana Cooley-Blake, Timmy Cooley, and Jerry (Penni) Cooley; sister-in-law, Sharon Cooley; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents and husband; grandchildren, Kyle Baker and Tara Partin; and siblings and in-laws, Betty (Bill) Inman, Thelma Cooley, Judy Cooley, Rose (Jerry) Jozwiak, and Gary Cooley.
Leo Mae worked at American Home Foods, LaPorte County Government in the Voter Registration Office, and owned a house cleaning business. She also volunteered at her children's school and enjoyed being the lunch lady and recess attendant, watching over the children. She was a proud member of the Kingsbury Volunteer Fire Department Sirenettes for 30 years and gave her heart and soul to her community. Leo Mae had a servant's heart, helping people in need and within her community.
She enjoyed gardening and had a green thumb like no other. Leo Mae loved spending the last 50 years tending to the artwork of her beautiful flower beds. She enjoyed embracing the fresh air and going for long walks. Leo Mae also loved being out on the lake fishing and enjoying some lake therapy. On the weekends, Leo Mae loved bowling with her friends and family. Her most enjoyable times were sewing and quilting with her sisters, Grandma Shelton, and her daughter, Julie.
Most of all, Leo Mae loved spending time with her immediate family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. You could always catch her at the ball diamond watching her grandchildren, or going on adventures in her yard, exploring the wilderness with her grandchildren. Leo Mae's favorite spot was sitting on her front porch rocking away in her rocker, drinking a Dr. Pepper, and eating her favorite dessert, a Little Debbie Fudge Round.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center with Bruce Vermilyer officiating. Burial will follow at Kingsbury Cemetery.
A time of visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday at the funeral home.
Memorial donations may be made to the Kingsbury Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 15, Kingsbury, IN 46345.
Condolences may be shared with the family on www.cutlercares.com.
