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COURTLAND – Eileen Theresa Ritter, age 73, passed away Wednesday Feb. 14, 2024, surrounded by her loved ones. To know her was to love her, the most gentle soul, she never met a stranger, she loved with her whole heart, she gave without wanting anything in return, she was the example to all of us of a virtuous woman. She entered her heavenly home to hear “Welcome my good and faithful servant.”  It was so fitting that such a loving, caring and compassionate person would pass away on Valentine’s D

ay (Love day).

Eileen was born March 8, 1950 to Emil and Edna Gilly in Allentown, Pennsylvania. She grew up with two older sisters, Ellie and Elaine, where one of their favorite things to do together was playing in the berry patches behind their family home. Her “sissy la las” always made sure their baby sister was taken care of.

Eileen graduated from Salisbury High School in Allentown and later went on to get her masters of finance from St.Paul’s College. Eileen fell in love with her sweetheart, Jim, when they were only teenagers. They were married on June 27, 1970, their love never wavering for the 58 years they were together. Eileen and Jim moved to Virginia in 1974 where they both worked for the local school systems until they both retired. Eileen retired as the finance director for Franklin City Public Schools, to stay home and take care of her precious grandson, Gannon.

Eileen is predeceased by both her parents, Emil and Edna Gilly, her sister Eleanor Barrett and her brother-in-law Ed Barrett. Left to cherish her memory is her husband Jim; son and daughter-in-law Andy and Amanda; her sister Elaine Folk; her brother and sister-in-law Tom and Maxine Ritter; her two grandsons, Garrett Seal and Gannon Ritter, many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and many beloved friends.

As many will tell you, Eileen was the sunshine on a rainy day, her infectious smile and attitude made everything better. She had a laugh that was so contagious. She made everyone feel important and special. Her whole heart belonged to Jim. They were a beautiful example of true love. But the last 18 years, if you wanted to know what she treasured the most, she would tell you it was “her” Garrett and Gannon. They truly were her pride and joy. Being their “Maleen” was her greatest accomplishment. She was so proud of them both and it was her forever wish that they would both go to college and she got to see that, as they both are taking college classes now.

As a surprise, Maleen was able to go on her dream trip to ride the Pacific Coast Highway in 2019. She travelled from LA all the way up to San Francisco. She got to stick her “piggies” in the Pacific Ocean, feel the wind in her hair and took a ride across the Golden Gate Bridge. These are memories that we get to treasure for a lifetime. If you stop by to visit, make sure to look through her photo album of the trip.

In lieu of a service or donations, Eileen would like everyone to remember to take time to love your family and friends, as well as perform an act of kindness to someone in need. In doing so, we all will be sharing a piece of her legacy to the world around us.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org