Jerry Ritter, age 70, took his final adventure on May 14, 2023.  He was born March 11, 1953, to Don and Wanda Ritter in Hot Springs.  Mom always said Jerry was her birthday gift that year because her birthday was the next day, March 12.  This was evidently a time before gifts could be "returned"!!!!!  He was her Mother's Day gift this year!

Jerry approached his life fearlessly, one adventure at a time.  Jerry did just about anything he wanted in life and most of the time it was "full steam ahead, no looking back".  As cantankerous as he could be, he had the most enviable ability to charm almost anyone he came in contact with in life.

He found his true "love" later in life at the Piney Volunteer Fire Department as a firefighter and first responder.  This is where he finally settled into what he believed was what he was called on by God to do as his life calling.  Here he found a brotherhood/sisterhood that rivaled no other.  They were his family.

Jerry served on the department from October 2004 until the evil disease "diabetes" robbed him of his mobility and ended his ability to respond to calls. While at the department, he served on the Board as a firefighter rep (2006-2007), was promoted to Lieutenant, and was an instructor for the Camden Fire Academy.  Jerry received several awards for his service including Firefighter of the Year (2006), Officer of the Year (2010), and Training Instructor Award with Lisa and Keith (2015).

Jerry loved to fish, anything to do with guns, and talking with his friends about hunting, especially wild hogs.  He had a strong faith and found comfort in his Lord and Savior, especially with the health struggles he endured in his last years.

Jerry is survived by his father and stepmother, Don and Carolyn, aunt and uncle Wayne and Gloria, sisters Janetta and Sarah (Hollywood), daughters Buffie and Kacie, four grandchildren, nephews/nieces, numerous cousins, and a multitude of friends.

Those waiting for him at the Pearly Gates are his mother, Wanda Ritter, grandparents from both sides of the Branstetter and Ritter family, brother David and sister-in-law Denise, nephew Jonathan, and several cousins.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the nurses and caregivers at Quapaw Nursing and Rehab Center for their phenomenal care.

A celebration of life service and potluck will be held Saturday at 1 p.m. on May 20, at the Piney Fire District, Station 1, 120 Mid-America Boulevard.  Please drop by if you get the chance to send Brother off on his last call.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations be made to the Piney Fire District Firefighters Fund, the local Garland County Humane Society, or a charity of choice.