Clara B. Ritzler

Clara Ritzler passed away peacefully Thursday April 22, 2010 at Bay Regional Medical Center, age 89. She was born December 30, 1920 in Brooklyn, New York to Karl Ritzler and Anna (Schmidt) Ritzler. At age 7, Clara moved to Bay City with her father after her mother's death and was raised by her father and step mother Rose Kipfmiller Ritzler. Clara resided in Bay City for the rest of her life. Clara worked as a bookkeeper for 45 years: 15 years at the Bay City Cash, and 30 years at the Bay Governmental Credit Union. Clara was an avid reader, and especially liked world history. She also enjoyed traveling to New York, Broadway musicals, baking, needlework and mostly spending time with family and friends. Clara is survived by John (Betty) Lemke and Kathy Akpom both of Bay City and Clay Shorkey of Austin, Texas and their families' whom she loved as if they were her own children. She is also survived by several cousins including Adam Kipfmiller, Jr. of Bay City, Rev. Mark Kipfmiller and family of Flat Rock, MI, Linda Ebeling and family of Muskego, Wisconsin, and Elaine Myers and family of Bay City. Clara established many close friendships throughout her life at school, church, work, and in her later years, from among her health care workers. Clara will be sadly missed by her family and friends. Clara was preceded in death by her mother, father and step mother. The family wishes to thank the staff of Sheffield Bay where Clara enjoyed living during the past year. The Funeral Service will take place at 11:00am on Thursday April 29, 2010 at St. John Ev. Lutheran Church, 706 W. Jane St. Officiating will be Rev. Paul E. Schaewe. Private interment will be in Elm Lawn Cemetery. Clara will lie instate at the church on Thursday from 9:00am until time of service. In lieu of flowers, for those who desire memorial contributions may be made to St. John's 150th Anniversary Fund as a living memorial to Clara.