Obituary of Alma Rosalie Ritz

Alma Rosalie Ritz was born on July 06, 1935 in Union, Missouri, and went home to be with our Lord on July 04, 2014. Preceding her in death were her parents, Bertha (Firestine) and Wilfred Wilhite, one step-brother, Donnie Wilhite, and one granddaughter, Michelle Lee Rector. Rosalie married Clyde Aaron Backues in August 1954. From this union seven children were born. Survivors include: Brenda and husband, Edward Flanigan of Waynesville; Pamela Gorman and husband, Jerry of Licking; Ralph Backues and wife, Karen of Licking; Starla J. Garrett and Curtis Chambers of Licking; Clyde (Boogie) Backues Jr. and Mindy Cullen of Houston; Bobby Backues and wife, Sarah of Rolla; James Backues and wife, Michelle of Licking along with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Rosalie married Charles “Junior” Ritz in February 1975. To this union, he brought three children. Survivors include: Patricia Fall and husband, Mitch of Springfield; Steve Ritz and wife, Margaret of Licking; Greg Ritz and wife, Michelle of Rolla, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Rosalie loved to accompany her husband, Junior, to the Platte River where she enjoyed camping and cooking. Creating recipes and sewing were among her favorite hobbies. Her compassion for helping others was shown not only with family and friends but also through her desire to care for the elderly in the health care field. Rosalie stood by her husband’s side as he ministered for many years in the Licking community. Her smile, laughter, and enthusiasm for life will be greatly missed.