Regina Ritter

Regina M. "Reggie" Ritter, 73, passed peacefully on Mother's Day, Sunday, May 10, 2015. She is survived by her son, John Wiggins; daughter, Ann Wiggins Noe; and beloved grandchildren, Ray, Tim, and Melissa Noe and Jeanette and Justin Wiggins; as well as close-knit siblings, Gloria (Tom) Boyden, Diana (Mike) Brown and Jim Ritter and their children and grandchildren. Also surviving are "extended family" Jeff Stickley as well as Cheryl (Dennis) Murphy-Smith, Pam (David) Hume and Steve Murphy (Laura Taylor) and their children, Jacob and Jared Smith and Lindsey Murphy to whom she was "Grandma Reggie". She was preceded in death by her parents Reginald Paul and Marie Ritter as well as her fiance Terry Murphy "Murph". Regina spent her entire life in the Midwest - Indiana, Michigan and Ohio - and it suited her well. She grew up a Hoosier where she met her first love and wonderful father of Ann and John - Art Wiggins. They moved to Michigan and raised their family in Ann Arbor where she was a loving mother, active in politics, sailor, enjoyed many neighborhood friends and worked in the medical field, ending her career early due to illness as secretary to the chair of the Dept. of Anesthesiology, a position and boss, she enjoyed immensely. After marriage, she was fortunate enough to find a second soul mate with "Murph". Along with family and friends, he was with her through both cancer and a nearly life-ending bout of pneumonia, meningitis and encephalitis. She returned the love and loyalty as she stood with him until he succumbed to cancer in 1999. The relationships she made with his family and the friends they had continue to this day. Always pragmatic, she moved to Ohio following Murph's death so her daughter could more easily offer the assistance she knew she might need down the road. She established herself in the Powell community and was an active member at St Joan of Arc parish. Her earlier illnesses left her increasingly homebound, however she still managed a small but dear circle of friends within her neighborhood and church that kept in touch by phone as well as took turns attending mass with her on Saturday evenings - her favorite time of the week. When she was unable to attend mass, the home ministry team at St. Joan of Arc were wonderful. She also enlisted the assistance of Comfort Keepers to help with errands, but caregivers like Barb and Dorn and others there as well as the staff at Heartland Rehabilitation, The Convalarium and wonderful medical personnel like Dr. Debra Gordish and OSU healthcare system were often considered friends as well as support. These friendships, like those throughout her life, meant so much to her and her family is forever grateful for that assistance, warmth and the kindnesses shown. Regina confronted her mounting health issues with a bravery and grace that were nothing short of remarkable. She had a strong and unwavering Catholic faith that guided her entire life, up through her final breath. While her body became increasingly fragile and unsteady, her mind and soul remained as sharp and selfless as ever. She was intelligent, interested, fair and forgiving. She listened and was loving. She was funny. She was honest. She will be missed enormously, every day, by all who were fortunate enough to call her friend and family. A celebration of Regina's earthly life, and final blessings for her ascension into Heaven, will take place at ST. JOAN OF ARC CATHOLIC CHURCH, 10700 Liberty Road, Powell, OH 43065 on FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015. Visitation will begin at 3 p.m. with the funeral Mass following at 4:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations are made to her favorite charities, Mid-Ohio Food Bank, 3960 Brookham Drive, Grove City, Ohio 43123 or St Joan of Arc Church. Please visit www.rutherfordfuneralhomes.com to send condolences to the Ritter Family. The Rutherford Funeral Home at Powell, 450 W. Olentangy St., Powell, OH 43065, (614)-792-1471 assisted the family.

Regina Ritter

August 29, 1941 - May 10, 2015