Carol A. Ritterman, 78, of York, ND,  died Saturday, December 15, 2012, at the Heart of America Medical Center in Rugby.  Funeral services will be Thursday, December 20, 2012, 11:00 AM  at the Leeds Lutheran Church with Pastor Richard Budd officiating.  Burial will be in the church cemetery.  Visitation will be Wednesday from 4 to 7pm with a 7:00 PM Prayer Service at the Nelson Funeral Home in Leeds.  Casket bearers will be her grandchildren:  Leah Biby, Gina,  James,  Anthony, Mitchell,  Lane,  Declan,  Reaganne,  Aidan,  Matthew, McKenna and Liam Ritterman.  Honorary bearers will be her great-granddaughters:  Bella Biby,  Sophia Biby and Zenna Ritterman. Music will be from Andi Thoreson, soloist with Dan Nybo, organist.

Carol Ann Fox was born November 8, 1934 rural Leeds, ND to Bernie and Leila (Bremseth) Fox.  She was raised near Leeds and graduated in 1952 from the Leeds Pubic School.  Carol then attended Minot State College and in 1955, received the two year Standard Degree.  She taught at the Gallinger #1 school near Leeds and at the Webster Elementary School in Williston prior to her marriage to James Ritterman on June 17, 1956 at Leeds.  She then taught at the Knox Public School until 1959.  Following the birth of her sons, Carol returned to teaching at the York Elementary School from 1966 until 1976.  From then until 1985, she was a substitute teacher at the Leeds Public School.  With the requirement of a four teaching degree, Carol enrolled at Mayville State College in 1985 and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education with a major in elementary education and Library Science in 1986.  She taught at the Esmond Public School from 1987 until retiring in 1989 do to her severe arthritic condition.

Carol and her family enjoyed many years of showing and raising horses. She had served as the State Secretary and State Director of the North Dakota Horseshow Association.

She was confirmed and currently a member of the Leeds Lutheran Church and had been a long time member of the York Lutheran Church until its closure.  Carol served on the church council and as a Sunday school teacher.  She was a fifteen year member of the North Dakota Education Association,  served as auditor of York for six years,  a member of the York Planning Council, chairman of the HUD grant and secretary treasurer of the York Park Board.  Carol was also a licensed and bonded Auction Sales Clerk.  She served as a Cub Scout leader, 4-H leader for six years and was a charter member of the Dozen Homemaker Club.

Surviving are her sons:  Robert (Cindy) Ritterman of Leeds,  Randy Ritterman of Minneapolis and Rodney (Nicky) Ritterman of Leeds;  12 grandchildren:  Leah (Steve) Biby,  Gina, Lane, Mitchell, Matthew, McKenna, Anthony, James, Aidan, Declan, Reganne and Liam Ritterman;  3 great-granddaughter:  Bella Biby,  Sophia Biby and Zenna Ritterman;  a brother:  Gary (Beth) Fox of Glenwood, MN and  a sister:  Bonnie (Virgil) Teubner of Bisbee, ND.

She was preceded in death by her parents;  husband: James; and a sister:  Janet Lysne.


Condolences:

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Carol was a wonderful woman who always had a smile on her face (except when her students were misbehaving- right Pete) I remember her as a great teacher and friendly person. She will be remembered by many.   Thinking of you, Dean and Robyn Anderson



I was lucky to meet Carol through our library courses at Mayville State.  We never knew what was going to fly out of her mouth!  She made quite the impression on this fresh out of high school college student and that she would treat a 20 year old like a colleague is something I have tried to emulate in my own life.  Taking classes with her was a delight and she is someone I have never forgotten.  Jan Gunderson



Randy and family, so very sorry for your loss. May blessing be with you and your family during this difficult time. Renada Rutti



Dear Randy and family,   So sorry to hear about your mom. Our prayers are with you at this difficult time.  jessica michaels