Danny Ritt

Danny A. Ritt, 80, of Bellaire, passed away on July 25, 2014 at Munson Medical Center. Danny was born on August 3, 1933, in Kearney Township, MI, the son of Emil and Lyla (Derenzy) Ritt. Danny lived his early years in Flint, however, in 1944 at 11 years old he came north to the family farm to help his grandparents while their 2 sons were in the war. He went on to graduate from Bellaire High School in 1951 and earned the honor of class Salutatorian. He attended Sault Tech in Sault, MI, and Michigan Tech in Houghton from 1952-1955. In 1955 he enlisted in the Air Force Cadet Training Program, a 2 year enlistment. He trained with T-28's in Texas, Mississippi, and Florida. In 1957, he returned to Bellaire and the next year enrolled at CMU to obtain a teaching degree. He taught at Mancelona Schools from 1961-1993. He loved teaching math to the high school students. It was a much loved career having taught many students and had taught many of their parents as well. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, 4 wheeling, traveling and being with family and going to Mrs. Pete's for coffee. He spent many summer months, between schools years, traveling the western US plains and mountain parks with his family. In 2010, he had a special 50th anniversary with his wife Maudie and his family in Yellowstone National Park. Since his retirement he and Maudie have spent 19 years wintering in Florida. He is survived by his wife Maudie (Smith) Ritt, of 54 years, 3 children, Philip (Mary Lou) Ritt of Bellaire, Todd (Jackie) Ritt of Alden, Jennifer (Frank "Pancho") Winter of Telluride, CO, Grandchildren, Morgan Ritt, Anissa Bittner (Steven Elandt), Courtney Bittner, Jessica (Wes) Worden, Janel Ritt, Gizelle Winter, TJ LaVanway, great-grandchildren, Tessa, Gillian, Alayna, Makenna, Maylee and Shaye. Also surviving are a sister, Gayle Hansen, brothers-in-law, Larry Smith, Russell (Retha) Smith, Chester Smith as well and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Donald Ritt, sisters-in-law, Shirley Smith, Debra Smith, Faye Wilson, Dixie Lee, Donna Andrew as well as a brother-in-law Lee Smith. There will be a memorial celebration of life on Friday, August 15 from 4-7 p.m. at the Kearney Township Hall, 4820 Aero Park Dr., Bellaire, MI, 49615. Memorial contributions may be made to the Bellaire Conservation Club (Kid's Fish Day), P.O. Box 177, Bellaire, MI, 49615.