Russell J. Ritter, the former mayor of Helena and president of the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation, passed peacefully at his home in Helena on the morning of Thursday, March 31 at the age of 83.
Born on July 22, 1932, Russ was the only child of Walter A. and Sally C. (Mellen) Ritter. Russ’ maternal family, the Mellens, moved to Montana from central Michigan, settling at Stone Station, Mont. in the mid-1870s, while his father’s parents both emigrated from Germany in the late 19th century. Growing up, Russ spent many fine summers split between his father’s drugstore, their home in Helena’s 6th ward and the Mellen family’s Stone Station ranch.
In 1950, Russ graduated from Helena Cathedral High School and entered Carroll College in the fall of that year, beginning a long and devoted relationship with the school. He graduated from Carroll with an AB in History in the spring of 1953 before serving in the United States Marine Corps for the remainder of the Korean War. A proud Marine, Russ maintained his ties with the military throughout the entirety of his life.
Russ’ return from Korea reunited him with his long-time sweetheart and fiancée, Linaire O. Wells, to whom he was married on August 4, 1956. By the end of 1957, the newly-wedded couple had moved to Billings, where Russ embraced the persona many still remember him by: Mr. Ritter. A teacher at Billings Central High School, he worked on the coaching staff of the basketball, track and field, and football squads, before packing up and moving his growing family to Missoula in 1958, where he picked-up as a teacher and coach at Missoula Loyola. True to Russ’ thirst for knowledge and passion for American history, he pursued a Master’s degree in History and Political Science at the University of Montana while with Loyola—a degree he was conferred in 1962.
During the summer of 1962, the family followed another teaching/coaching job, this time to Kalispell, where Russ taught both history and government and coached the Flathead High School Braves football team. While in Kalispell, Russ and the family opened Danny’s Drive-In—a mid-1960s Kalispell staple—and acquired the family’s beloved Flathead Lake home, the Ritters’ Bears’ Den.
Despite success in Kalispell, the lure of his hometown and alma mater called Russ back to Helena in 1969, where he began a two-decade career in the development office at Carroll. First as the director for development and community relations and later as the vice-president for college relations, Russ oversaw new construction at the college and helped maintain Carroll’s strong ties with the Helena community. Russ’ devotion to the community through public service made him a household name across the city.
As a city commissioner from 1978-1982 and mayor from 1982-1991, Russ set a tone for development in Helena that has continued well into the 21st century. He was active in securing several major infrastructure projects including a new water system, wastewater treatment plant, fire department, and a new law enforcement building, all while courting the Federal Reserve to keep its Helena branch office active. During his time as mayor, Russ welcomed dignitaries from the U.S. and abroad to the Treasure State, including Archbishop Desmond Tutu and President Ronald Reagan, whom he famously referred to as “Mr. Mayor” before introducing himself as the “President of Helena”—a flub that earned the young mayor his seven seconds of Johnny Carson fame.
After nearly 22 years (1969-1991) with Carroll and 13 (1978-1991) in Helena government, Russ transitioned yet again into a dual position as director for corporate and government relations for Washington Corporation, based in Missoula, and president of the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation. With Washington Corporation, he put his glad-handing days in local politics to good use lobbying for the company’s interests in both Montana and Washington, D.C. He additionally oversaw the distribution of millions of dollars in grant money through the Foundation’s outreach efforts, and helped to bring the 1993 American Academy of Achievement retreat to Glacier National Park.
The new millennium saw Russ transferring his time and focus away from Washington Corp. and he devoted much of his efforts to outreach and fundraising projects. In 2009, he welcomed the debut of the Liberty House—a residential facility for families receiving healthcare services—and the Montana Military Museum, both at Fort Harrison outside Helena. He remained a member of the boards of the Fort Harrison Museum and the Student Assistant Foundation until his passing on Thursday.
Throughout his life, Russ additionally served on the board of directors of Norwest Bank of Helena, the All American Indian Hall of Fame, Junior Achievement, Montana Physicians Services, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Montana, the Montana Chamber of Commerce, the Montana Community Finance Corporation, City –County Building, Inc., Montana Friendship Force, and the Montana Centennial Celebration. He was a member of the Helena Chamber of Commerce, Montana Ambassador’s Club of Helena, Montana Officials Association, the Montana Club, the Knights of Columbus and the Helena Rotary Club.
A devoted husband, father and grandfather, Russ is survived by his wife, Linaire, of 59 years; his five children and their spouses, Michael and Mary Ritter, Leslie and Tom Wozniak, Teresa Ritter, Greg and Brenda Ritter and Dan Ritter; and his thirteen 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 vigil will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, April 4th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 5th at the Cathedral of St. Helena, 530 N. Ewing St. A reception will follow the Mass in the Brondel Center located in the lower level of the Cathedral of St. Helena. Burial with Military Honors will take place at 3:00 p.m. following the reception. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that condolences be directed to the Montana Military Museum PO Box 125 Fort Harrison MT 59636.
Service Schedule
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Monday April 4, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Tuesday April 5, 2016
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Funeral Mass
Tuesday April 5, 2016
Brondel Center
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial with Military Honors
3:00 p.m.
Tuesday April 5, 2016
Resurrection Cemetery
3700 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Monday April 4, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Tuesday April 5, 2016
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Funeral Mass
Tuesday April 5, 2016
Brondel Center
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial with Military Honors
3:00 p.m.
Tuesday April 5, 2016
Resurrection Cemetery
3700 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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jeff sherlock says
Russ was a truly good guy: he was one of the best mayors ever and, most of all, he was a true gentleman; I enjoyed talking football with him, but never was able to convince him that the city should plow my alley; they don’t make many guys like this anymore, he will be missed.
Bob "wooly" Gilbert Helena says
Russ Ritter-
A man I admired for years. Denny Washington
Picked him to represent the Washington Corporations and Russ was the best he could find. Russ was a Helena promoter, a good mayor. My sympathies to his wife and family.
George Lane says
In my many years as a photographer with the IR, I had the pleasure of taking his picture many times, he was always quick with a smile . Russ was a kind gentleman and a great asset to Helena. He will be missed by many, especially me.
Johnny Moore says
I met Mr. Ritter only a few times, and I was always impressed by his personable interaction. More than that, I was always impressed by his leadership in Helena and other environs. I think we will all miss his warm smile and gentle manner.
Sandy Bradford says
Dan and all your family – What a sweet man! Was always friendly and we visited often in the halls of the Legislature when it was in session. When you honor aging parents, there are multiple blessings that follow.
With special caring,
Sandy Bradford
Pat Ryan says
Dear Linaire and family,
It is with my love and sympathy that I send to you on your loss of Russ.
Pat (Meunier) Ryan
Dave Lewis says
When Russ was mayor he and I had a fairly close resemblance to each other. People often approached me to tell me about the failings of city Government. I told him that I would tell them to call someone who cared. He felt that I had cost him quite a few votes over the years!
He was a great guy and a wonderful Helena supporter through the years. We worked together on a lot of projects and political campaigns. Karen would make cookies for the chamber Friday meeting with local legislators and he would complain if I forgot to bring them. Just to get even for the votes I cost him in years past. We will miss him.
Dave and Karen Lewis
Jim Bartruff says
A man whose face always had a smile. A man who loved his family, his work, his city and his friends. He touched my life in many ways and I treasure the memories I will forever carry with me of Russ. With affection to his family.
Jim and Lindy Bartruff
Ron Iverson says
Dear Linaire and kids– I am so sorry to hear of Russ’ passing. He was one of the truly great leaders of Helena. “Movers and shakers” he used to call them. He always had time for anyone who wanted to talk with him–and in between genuine smiles and handshakes, he had a serious and upfront tone. Was Helena’s best mayor–many accomplishments for him, his commissioners, and staff. I was so proud to count him as a friend. Godspeed to your family, he will be missed.
Bob Morgan says
My condolences To you Linaire, and your family. Always enjoyed chatting with you two at Jorgensons on Sunday’s with my Mom and Dad and the Kellehers.
Pat Flynn McCarthy says
I met Russ in kindergarten and knew him through Cathedral Hi, Carroll College and always considered he and Linaire good friends. He will be missed by so many. I send my love to Linaire and her beautiful family
Frank Schulz says
My condolences and prayers are with you Linaire and your family. Russ was my coach during his days at Loyola and we spent a lot of time together. He was my best history teacher and a great coach and motivator.
Jim Stipcich says
Dear Linaire, and the entire Ritter family– All of us at the Student Assistance Foundation are very saddened by Russ’s passing. He was a great man. During his extended tenure on the SAF Board his deep, deep passion for Montana students showed every day and it was critical to SAFs success. He constantly worked to move SAF towards more and more assistance for Montana students.
I am a Helena native so I also deeply appreciate all he has done for Helena both as Mayor and as a member of the Helena Ambassadors. Russ was also a great personal mentor for myself.
His footprint shows in every corner of Helena. He will be VERY missed.
Please accept my personal and SAFs condolences for you and your entire family.
Hiromi Oguchi says
My memories back in 1977~1978 when I stayed at Ritter’s family as a Rotary Exchange student, Russ and Linaire and brothers and sisters welcomed me as one of big Ritter family. Those days were very special experiences in my life. Russ was a big my American dad, and truth is he is still my American dad in my heart. My thoughts are with all Ritter family.
Sheri and Todd Sullivan says
My Memories of Russ were such Wonderful memories! Russ touched so many lives, and he was such a wonderful man who Loved his family! Russ was a wonderful customer of ours at Auto Concepts and gave a such a time. He always love coming in and getting a treat and one day he came in and brought Ice Cream for the staff! He sure was one in a million, all his wonderful stories. Russ will be Greatly missed! Our thoughts and prayers are with his entire family. This world will not be the same without Russ that is for sure.
Dennis Quinn says
Mike, my heartfelt sympathy & prayers to you, your Mom and all the family. So very sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. Please give your Mom a hug from mr, and know that my thoughts are with all of you. DQ
Bill Zader says
Russ was a Great Montanan–I enjoyed working with Russ a numberof years ago and always knew he would be honest, fair and with a unique sense of humour.
Our prayers to his family…
Peggy and Jim Kambich says
Peggy and Jim Kambich,
To the Ritter Family, our sincere condolences and prayers to all you at this special time. Russ was a fine gentleman, a true friend, a genuine supporter of Carroll College, the City of Helena and the State of Montana. Russ was certainly an old school salt of the earth individual. He always had a smile, a positive attitude and was a proven family man. He will be dearly missed by all those whose lives he touched over the years. Our sympathies to the entire Ritter Family.
Peggy and Jim Kambich
Max A Hansen says
I just learned of Russ’ passing and I am saddened for what I am sure is the family’s sense of loss. My heart especially goes out to Linaire after losing a partner of 59 years. I will never forget Russ. I still have lumps on the back of my head from the whacks I took from his Carroll College class ring when I was goofing off in American Government class at Flathead High. But he meted out punishment with the signature Mr. Ritter smile. He was a great source of encouragement when we both found ourselves at Carroll, Russ as a great advocate for the College and me as a student. Russ and Linaire were my Helena Mom and Pop. He is probably still grumbling about my green paint over-spray from the roof on the Flathead Lake cabin and my marginal lawn care skills at the Helena home. but I am sure he is smiling at the same time. Godspeed Russ for there is a special place in Heaven for you.
John and Aggie Frankino says
Our condolences to Linaire and family. We know you will find comfort in each other and so many happy memories.Russ was always so proud of all of you.
God bless.
Terry Myhre says
To the Ritter Family, there are so many wonderful memories, Russ helped me through some interesting situations in Flathead High, I was very fortunate to have him in my life! Our experiences then extended to the Flathead Lake properties, we were “almost” neighbors and Russ had a much better dock than the Myhre’s. He told me that whenever the lake looked like it was getting too rough, use his dock. I took advantage of that offer all too often! I was fortunate to be transferred to Helena in the 1992 and needless to say I had a wonderful welcome greeting from Russ and Linaire. I was fortunate to become involved in community organizations, and Russ seemed to be a part of all of them! I learned so much from him, about the past, the present, and I got a lot of suggestions on how to contribute to the community. Russ will be missed, but his he has leaving many wonderful memories but his legacy will be everlasting.
Dave Cole says
I knew Russ Ritter as a long time and very active member of the Board of Directors of the Montana Military Museum where I have volunteered for several years. Russ, working closely with State Senator Dave Lewis, was responsible for securing state funding to assist with the expansion of the Military Museum’s building that make it the fine facility it is today. Again working with Senator Lewis he also garnered grant funds to restore the adjacent building formerly used as the dispensary for the First Special Service Force to be renovated as a facility for storing and caring for the Museum’s extensive collection of military and historic artifacts. One of his dreams was to see the Museum library collection, now housed in that building, become a center for research into and learning about the unique military history of Montana and its citizens. The volunteer museum staff are committed to fulfilling Russ’ goal. A member of the Governor’s Budget Office staff told me once when she toured the Museum that the crucial state grants we received to expand the Museum never would have happened without Russ Ritter’s dogged determination and persistence working with state legislators and the Administration. Today’s Museum is a fitting memorial to his commitment. He will truly be missed.
Jim "Zeke" LaPorte says
Linaire, I have so many fond memories of Russ and your family while you were at Loyola . I remember that 1958 red and white Ford station wagon you had like it was yesterday. After two years of Loyola football, Russ had the foresight to see that I did not have the ability to be a good football player yet he knew that I wanted to be involved in athletics some how. So, he made arrangements for me to take Naseby Rinehart’s class on athletic training and I became Loyola’s first athletic trainer! Until his Montana history class, I had no interest in history. Now I have a whole library of history books. This and a lot of other things he did were a significant part of my development. When we talked by phone about a year ago, he said that he thought he was too tough with me. His toughness was tempered by a deep sense of caring and it made me a much better person as a result. Thanks to you, Linaire, for being behind Russ every step of the way.
Sister Mary Rachel Flynn says
Lanae and family: Since I was very small I’ve known about Russ, through my sister Pat Flynn McCarthy and her classmates. Always such a good guy, from childhood, and fun to be around. In my adulthood, while helping out at Carroll College, I got to know Russ better and have been grateful for that. My prayers for you and in gratitude for the LIfe of this fine man.
Tim O'Leary says
Russ was also a great small fry football coach! Sorry to hear about the passing of such a great family man. My condolences to the wonderful Ritter family.
Bruce R. Chamberlain says
On behalf of the entire Chamberlain family, please accept our most sincere condolences on the passing of the Ritter family patriarch, Mr. Russ Ritter. Our families moved to Helena at about the same time, 1968 and 1969 respectively, and the eldest of the Ritter siblings (Mike) and I made our way through the Helena school system until our graduation in 1976. Most of my interaction with the Ritter family was as a young man and my initial introduction to Mike’s parents was as “Mr. and Mrs. Ritter” and, at the time, this introduction was more a generational recognition of courtesy and politeness. For almost half a decade, I have referred to them as “Mr. and Mrs. Ritter,” but not for those reasons, but because their personal and professional contributions across the state and throughout the city of Helena warranted this measure of admiration and respect (then and always). Most recently, our relationship was rekindled via the Carroll College football program and their grandson, Matt Ritter, who was a teammate with my oldest son Spencer, who also played for the “Fighting Saints.” In fact, our first notice of Mr. Ritter’s passing was a deeply moving call from Spencer, now serving in the U.S. Army. Matt had invited Spencer to the “Bear’s Den” on Flathead Lake where he was the recipient of the legendary Ritter family hospitality; the same hospitality I had been afforded as a youngster in their home here in Helena. Those of us who grew up here and in the State of Montana will forever owe a debt of gratitude to “Mr. Ritter” for his incredible insight and the leadership he provided as a local and statewide civic leader. However, I would argue Mr. Ritter’s most important and lasting legacy will be the exemplary values he exhibited on a daily basis and over the course of his lifetime; those of honor, character, and integrity. One need but look to his children and grandchildren to see the true legacy of the Ritter family. I will forever remember Mr. Ritter for his tremendous contributions that will forever impact our lives. And, if I may offer one last personal insight from high school that I shared with Mike, and I hope I do not embarrass him by doing so. We both participated in Helena High’s theatrical rendition of L Frank Baum’s, “The Wizard of Oz,” directed by Mr. Ted Clearman. Mike had a lead role as the “Tin Man” and I followed in his shadows as the “Cowardly Lion.” It was surely one of the most enjoyable experiences I had in high school, and it remains as one of my most cherished memories, but not for reasons you might suspect. One of the most meaningful and insightful moments in the play comes near the end when the Wizard grants the Tin Man’s (played by Mike) wish for a “heart.” When he bestows the gift of a heart to him, he reminds the Tin Man (and all of us) that, “. . . A heart is not judged by how much you love; but by how much you are loved by others”. There is no doubt that when one considers the life and contributions of Mr. Ritter, it will not be based upon how much he loved others, but because he was so beloved by EVERYONE.
Dan Ritter says
When a life was lived as well as my dad’s, there is never enough time to share the many stories and accomplishments from his career.
During the vigil service, dad’s buddy, Gene McMahon, shared a story or two of his friendship with dad. When we moved to Helena in 1969 and dad left the classroom and football field, he turned to his friend to help keep him involved with high school athletics through officiating basketball and football. Whether it was high school or college ball, brother Greg and I rode shotgun with dad and his numerous officiating partners over the years when they traveled for games. Many was a time when things didn’t go quite so well for the home team. Dad would tell us late in the 4th quarter to be ready to “get the hell out of town” when the final buzzer sounded. With their change of clothes bags strategically placed by the nearest exit and with his whistle wrapped around his hand and the metal portion placed between a fore and middle finger (in the event an angry fan needed a right cross), we raced to the car. We made it out safely every time.
Another one of my favorite memories traveling with dad was when we were with his dear friend and frequent officiating buddy, John Maloney. John’s favorite beer was Coors and there was a time when Coors was not sold in Montana. So after a game on one of our trips to neighboring Idaho, dad would stop so John could pick up a six pack or two of Coors. Dad was always the driver, so with John riding shotgun, he would begin drinking his Montana contraband. After 30 minutes or so, John would say to dad, “Russ, I think your back tire is running low and you better let me get out and check it.” Dad would pull over and John would get out and proceed to “inspect” the tire. Well it didn’t’ take Greg and I very long to figure out the low tire pressure was really code for “Russ, I need to get out and take a pee!”
It was dad’s more recent persona as lobbyist that I remember best. I was fortunate to wander the halls of the Capitol with him over the years and watched as he graciously and successfully lobbied; first on behalf of the Washington Companies and most recently the Montana Military Museum. It was during these times that I was able to not only meet many of Montana’s policy makers, but work with them as well. Many was a time that one his colleagues or legislators would pull me aside and tell me how much respect they have for dad because of his honesty and integrity. More than once I would hear: “I may not agree with your dad on an issue, but I always have respect for him.” He mentored young lobbyists with humility. “It is a process of developing trust” he would tell them. “Be honest and respectful and legislators will listen.” So many will miss his counsel.
Hopefully if you’re reading this, you read the post by former state Senator Dave Lewis. Well, dad had a different method of dealing with the fact that they looked alike. When Dave was the Budget Director during the Racicot administration, dad would often get accosted by someone who was angry over the state’s budget and wanted to share their frustrations with whom they thought was Dave Lewis. After he’d had enough, dad went down to the local print shop and had a button made: “I am NOT DAVE LEWIS!”
The 2013 session was dad’s last active session securing funding for the Montana Military museum. With his hat and his cane, he was up almost every day. For those of you not familiar with how things work during session, lobbyist row is the space between the Senate and the House chambers. The bench at the end of the Senate hallway is “reserved’ for the most seasoned lobbyists, so naturally dad had “his” spot. He would place his hat in the window sill and wander the halls to attend committee meetings, visit with colleagues and legislators, steal a cookie and cup of coffee from the Secretary of the Senate’s office and chat with legislative staff. As he was slowing down, his fellow lobbyists would keep a close eye on him. Sometimes they would retrieve his hat or cane and bring it to my office. When he discovered one or the other was missing, he knew where to find it. He greeted everyone with a smile and a story. He will be missed by so many and especially his family.
Here’s to a life will lived. If anyone deserves some rest, it is my “pops”.
With so much love and respect.
#5
Matt & Mary Kunnary says
To the Ritter family – We were sorry to hear of Russ’s passing. I worked with Russ for many years at Carroll College. There are many great memories that I have during those years at Carroll. As the saying goes “those were the good old days”. God Bless you Linaire and your family. Our prayers are with you.
Matt & Mary Kunnary
Dick Alberts says
In 1946 – 47 I was in the first grade of St. Helena’s in Helena. There were a number of 7th graders that would harass us on the playground. One day Russ who was in the eight grade, and I knew through my family and his family, came up to me and said: “If they pick on you any more just let me know. ” Well, they never did after that. This memory of him has lasted with me all life. God rest his soul, he was a good man.