RITTER, Linaire O., age 83 of Helena passed away Saturday, October 7, 2017. Services are pending and will be announced when they are complete. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Linaire.
Linaire O. Ritter (Wells), loving wife, mother and grandmother, passed peacefully at her residence in Missoula, surrounded by her family, on the morning of Saturday, October 7, 2017, at the age of 83.
Born on March 13, 1934 outside Antigo, Wisconsin, Linaire was the only child of William “Wiley” Adget and Helen (Kirsch) Adget. The Adgets and Kirsches were of German and Quebecois ancestry, emigrating to the United States in the mid-20th century. Her birth father, William, was a decorated veteran of the first World War. After returning from the war, William married Helen, and they welcomed Linaire, their first and only child, shortly thereafter.
Tragedy struck early in Linaire’s life with the sudden death of her father William in 1938. Following his passing, Linaire’s mother Helen married Charles Wells, who adopted Linaire and moved the family to Helena, Montana in the late 1930s. In 1945, the family was marred again by death, when Linaire’s mother Helen died due to complications from breast cancer. Linaire was only 11 years old.
Shortly after the passing of her mother, Linaire moved into the Helena Deaconess School for Children, where she was raised and received her early education. Though she resided at the Deaconess Home, Linaire would later recall fond memories of her stepfather Charles picking her up on weekends for outings to the drive-in or bowling alley. In 1952, Linaire graduated from Helena High School and went to work at the office of the Montana State Auditor.
Four years later, in 1954, Linaire met a young Russ Ritter while he was home on leave from the U.S. Marine Corps. Their courtship lasted just over a year while Russ served in the Korean War, and the two were married at the Helena Cathedral on Aug. 4, 1956.
By the close of 1957, the couple had moved to Billings, Montana, where Russ had taken a job as teacher and coach at Billings Central. In Billings, they welcomed their firstborn, Mike. After one year, the couple moved to Missoula in 1958 where their two daughters, Leslie and Teresa, were born. In the summer of 1962, the family moved yet again to Kalispell, where younger sons Greg and Dan were born. Finally, in 1969, the Ritters packed up and permanently relocated to Helena, the city Russ and Linaire knew best and would spend the next 47 years.
In Helena, Linaire was known for her firebrand spirit, unbounded kindness, and seamlessly-planned social events. Together with Russ, the two were staples of the Helena philanthropic circuit, particularly with respect to development efforts at Carroll College. Linaire was additionally known for her volunteer work across the community, notably her mentorship of students in the Central School reading program. Linaire’s fondness for pets and animals of all shapes and sizes was known to many—she was indeed a lifelong animal lover. Dubbed “Grandma Awesome” by family and friends, her immaculately decorated, holiday-themed sugar cookies and cakes will be sorely missed. Twice a survivor of lymphoma, Linaire’s fighting spirit inspired those around her and she will forever be remembered for her lifelong perseverance in the face of adversity.
A devoted wife, mother and grandmother, Linaire is survived by her five children and their spouses, Mike and Mary Ritter, Leslie and Tom Wozniak, Teresa Ritter, Greg and Brenda Ritter and Dan Ritter; and her 13 grandchildren and their spouses, Matt and Kara, Brian, Andy, Alex, Sarah, Abby, and Jenna Ritter; Ryan, Dylan, and Stephanie Wozniak; and Donovan, Mitchell, and Connor Dennis.
A funeral mass will be celebrated at noon on Friday, October 13, at the Cathedral of St. Helena, 530 N. Ewing St., Helena, MT. A reception will follow the Mass in the Brondel Center located in the Cathedral’s lower level. Burial at Resurrection Cemetery will follow the reception. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that condolences be directed to the Florence Crittenton Home, 901 N Harris St., Helena, MT, 59601 and the Lewis and Clark Humane Society, 2112 E. Custer Ave, Helena, MT, 59602.
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Friday October 13, 2017
Cathedral of Saint Helena
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Mass
Friday October 13, 2017
Brondel Center
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
Following the Reception
Friday October 13, 2017
Resurrection Cemetery
Helnea, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Friday October 13, 2017
Cathedral of Saint Helena
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Mass
Friday October 13, 2017
Brondel Center
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
Following the Reception
Friday October 13, 2017
Resurrection Cemetery
Helnea, Montana 59602
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Donna Wise says
Sincere sympathy to all her family. I remember Linaire from grade school and through the many years since.
Susan Andersen says
Dan and family…So sorry to hear about your mom’s passing. You are in my thoughts..sending a hug. Susan
Julie (Stinchfield) DeMars says
Sending much love and prayers for peace during this oh so difficult time…And big hugs for my old friend, Dan. If there is anything I can do please don’t hesitate to ask…
Jo Semingson says
Sending caring thoughts to the entire Ritter family. So hard to lose parents & yours were wonderful. I knew Linaire for 12 years as a neighbor & we shared a love of animals. So glad I gave her a call a few weeks ago to check in. Beautiful photo & great tribute to a “one of a kind” gal. Best to all of you & special hug to Dan – you did so much for your folks & I miss seeing you in the neighborhood.
Holly Luck says
I am sorry to the entire Ritter Family for your
loss. I’ve known Russ & Linaire most of my adult life. We shared laughs and often great political discussions. While we usually disagreed, we enjoyed spirited conversations.
Dan, your loving care of your folks was to be admired. All the best to you as you move forward.
Debbie Morrison says
I had the wonderful pleasure of working with Linaire when I started to work at the State in 1990. She always had a smile on her face and was so gracious and kind, especially to the “new kid on the block”. My sincerest condolences to the Ritter family. May God be with you during this difficult time.
Peggy and Jim Kambich says
Our sincere condolences to the entire Ritter Family. What a great Family , blessed with great parents. Russ and Linaire are together in heaven. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you- God Bless…
Lorri Mullen says
Leslie, Dan and family,
Your mother was a very beautiful, gracious lady. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. May God bless you and may she rest in peace.
Jim Dunbar says
Teresa and Leslie,
I am so sorry for your loss. Your mom was always really sweet and loved to brag about you both. God bless her and you and your family.
Bonnie Finstad says
We wish all of LeNair’s families our love and sympathy . She was a great neighbor and friend and we so enjoyed having morning coffee together along with Jerry Maddio. What a great neighborhood we shared while raising our families. Fondly, John and Bonnie Finstad
Mary Bruno, says
Dan and all the family, we were sorry to read about your mom’s passing. She was such a beautiful Lady. Our prayers are with you guys.
Darryl and Mary Lou Bruno
Patricia Ruan says
Dear Ritter family,
Your Mother was a friend at Helena High.
My love and sympathy, Pat (Meunier) Ryan
Kerri Blanton says
Ritter Family: So sorry for your loss – I worked with Linaire at Department of Commerce in Helena and she was the most sweetest, loving lady I’ve ever met! She will be missed dearly! I remember her telling me her fun times at the Ritter cabin at Flathead Lake in the summer. My Hugs and Prayers are with you all.
Scott & Janet Hoversland and family says
We were neighbors of Linaire and Russ and are forever thankful for getting to know them. Not only would they watch our house when we were gone but Linaire loved to treat our dogs to special meals they did not get at home. The Ritters always enjoyed when our kids were playing in the yard and loved to share stories of their grandkids with us. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Ritter family.
Linda Vaughey says
I enjoyed many visits with Linaire over the years at Norma Boles’ kitchen table; and wine paired with conversations about the latest family, neighborhood, and Helena news was always the order of the day. My condolences to you all. Dan, I still find myself looking for your vehicle most times when I pass your family home on my way to Norma’s. Your devotion to your folks was a gift. God bless you and may those memories bring you peace.
Russ Pilcher says
Your mom was so kind and gracious—especially to us athletes who had the good fortune to be around her for any amount of time. Very sorry for your loss but know that she is with your dad now. You have great memories of her to help you through this difficult time. Peace
Norma Jean Boles says
Linaire once said’ INITIALY WE WERE CORDIAL NEIGHBORS THEN BASED ON BUCK’S DEATH AND MY 2ND CANCER AND THE LOSS OF MY LEG, WE DEVELOPED A STRONG AND DEEP FRIENDSHIP”. I CAN IMAGINE LINAIRE RUSHING TO THE RAINBOW BRIDGE TO PICK UP NEKO THEN RUNNING UP TO HEAVEN TO FIND RUSS. MY CONDOLENCES TO YOU ALL, ESPECIALLY TO DAN WHO WAS A GREAT CARE GIVER.
HELEN FANDRICH says
To Dan and family – Your mother and I go way back–friends from Aunt Julia’s years with my Mother at the Eagles Manor, from our crochet lessons together with Marge Reynolds at the old Yarn Basket in about 1982, and from all of our years in our Jolly Girls Investment Club. I’m so happy to have had a nice visit with her in Missoula just a week before her death–she was so pleased to have visitors that day (especially Danny and his dog). She will be missed.
The Nachman Family says
Grandma Awesome will forever be in our hearts as a sweet and spunky lady who was always welcoming and fun! I loved how she looked so pretty and put together everyday. She was full of stories and always made us laugh. Our fondest memories of her were on Flathead Lake. She opened up her special cabin to our family and loved to watch us play on her beach, laugh in the water and make life long memories. We thought every rock we picked up on the beach was so special! She would spray them with “special rock shine” to keep them looking like they were fresh out of the water for us to take home. Grandma Awesome was who she was to us because everything she did was just AWESOME!! She will be dearly missed but treasured always. We are blessed to have been touched by her. Thank you Ritter and Wozniak families for letting us love her too.
Billie Jo Meglen says
To Dan and family, Your mother was such a beautiful lady and so much fun! We loved our time together, the laughs
and the wonderful treats that she would make. Dan it was so great to watch you with your Mom and Dad, you were such a terrific care taker and I could just see the love you felt taking care of them. Those special memories will be
in your heart forever. God Bless
John Wagner says
I still remember you as our new coach and inviting my football team mates (Loyola Class of ’59) to your home to introduce us to your lovely wife. Your marriage was made in heaven. Pax vobiscum.
Jane Hammett says
Sending heartfelt sympathy and prayers to the entire Ritter family. We are so grateful for the wonderful memories we shared with Linaire & Russ and you Ritter kids in Kalispell, Flathead and Helena. ?
Lois, John, Jane Hammett and entire Hammett family
Ron Iverson says
Dear Ritter “kids”. I am at a loss as to what to say, except that you have my thoughts and condolences. Your mother was a very gracious lady and in fact one of the classiest women I have ever know. I visited with her and Russ some, but not enough. And…I did not know all of you, but it was always fun to talk to one of the Ritter “kids.” Very neat family, and am proud to have know you., and your parents.
LeAnn (Hopkins) Pollock says
Leslie~My heart goes out to you and you entire family.
I just loved your Mom! She was so fun, kind and welcoming! I loved how happy your mom and dad were together! It was obvious they adored each other and counted it pure joy to raise all of you!
After all these years she has definitely been one person who has left an indelible mark of kindness and good humor in my forever memories!
I think of you often and am truly sorry for your loss~ God bless, LeAnn
Linnea and Steve Armstrong says
Hi Dan and Family,
We were so saddened to hear of your lovely Mom’s passing. A mother is so hard to lose, and I well remember the flight home to Chicago from Helena when my own Mom passed away in the early 80s. Our thoughts and prayers are with you always, especially at this difficult time. Dan, you were wonderful to be the caregiver for both your parents, and we can only hope and pray that they are together at last. We are living full-time in BIgfork, and we hope to see you one of these days!!!
Love and God’s blessings to you always, Linnea and Steve
Shawn Leary Perez says
Leslie,
So sorry to hear about your mom. I have great memories of hanging out at your house or treats before dance lessons and of course Hiromi. Your mom was a special woman.
Heidi Fanslow says
I met Lianaire at the Springs in Missoula earlier this year. What a wonderful personailty! I am so sorry for your loss.
matt &Mary Kunnary says
To the Ritter family – Matt & I were so sorry to hear of Lianaire passing. She was a great lady to all. She is now with Russ and out of pain. Take care and God Bless your family.
Love prayers Matt and Mary Kunnary