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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Obituary: Ritter, Catherine Dickie

RITTER, Catherine Dickie Passed away on November 20, 2012 with her family by her side in Spokane, WA.

Mrs. Ritter was a native of Calgary Alberta Canada, daughter of William and Mary Dickie.

Catherine met her husband, Herbert Ritter, Jr., of Spokane, while skiing in Sun Valley, ID in 1961.

Following a six month honeymoon trip around the world, the couple settled in Spokane, WA where Bert owned and operated Ritter Drug Store at Monroe and Indiana for 30 years.

Bert and Catherine loved to travel and had the honor of visiting over 35 countries around the world during their lifetime.

Catherine is survived by her two children and five grandchildren.

Catherine’s son, Herbert L Ritter III, an Electrical Engineer with an MBA and works for Schneider Electric, lives in Pleasanton, CA with his wife Cathy and two children James (16) and Patricia (14).

Catherine’s daughter, Dr. Mary Ritter Heitkemper, has a PhD in Educational Leadership and is the Director of the Career Center at Gonzaga University and lives in Spokane with her husband Peter and three children, Katie (17), Madeline (16) and Peter (12).

Catherine’s brother William D. Dickie LLB lives in Calgary and has three children, Lorraine, Barbara and William, Jr., and seven grandchildren.

Catherine graduated from St. Mary’s Girls High School in Calgary, and held Bachelor’s degrees from the University of Alberta, the University of Toronto, and a Masters degree in Psychiatric Social Work from St. Louis University and later took classes in the CREDO Religious Studies program at Gonzaga University.

She practiced in hospitals and clinics in Canada and the USA, including Eastern State Hospital in Medical Lake WA.

Catherine was a very active volunteer and participated in various groups - Pi Beta Phi Sorority, Assistants, Inc, Women of Rotary, College Women, American Association of University Women, Pharmacy Association Auxiliary, Sacred Heart Guild, St John’s Landscape Association, and the Spokane Club.

She was also part of the Bookies Reading Group, the Spokane Garden Club and various Bridge Groups including the Ladies of the Lake at Coeur d’ Alene where she and her family enjoyed a summer home.

Catherine also served on various Boards such as the Visiting Nurses, Catholic Charities, Girl Scouts, and our Lady of Fatima Church.

Catherine was a loving wife, a caring mother and grandmother, and a good friend to many.

Visitation will be Tuesday, December 11th from 12-5pm with a Vigil Rosary service starting at 2pm at the funeral home.

The Memorial Service will be held for Mrs. Ritter at Sacred Heart Church at 219 East Rockwood Boulevard, Spokane, WA 99202 on Wednesday, December 12th at 11AM.

Reception to follow in the Church Recreation Center and the committal services will be at 2PM at Holy Cross Cemetery 7200 N. Wall, Spokane, WA 99208.

Donations in Catherine’s name can be given to Gonzaga University Career Scholarship Fund, E. 502 Boone, Spokane, WA 99258, Non-profit Tax id: 91-0236600.

Please visit Catherine’s tribute and leave a condolence at www.hennesseyfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to: