1956
Debra
2014
Debra "Debbie" Ritzert
September 13, 1956 — March 13, 2014
Lowellville - Debra (Debbie) Louise Ritzert, 57, passed away suddenly on March 13, 2014 joined by the Angels and Saints to meet the Lord and knowing she was loved by her family and friends.
Debra was born September 13, 1956 to Clarence and Shirley Dupe Ritzert in Youngstown, Ohio. Debbie's parents were told shortly after birth that she would never walk or talk and would be better off placed in an institution. Debbie's parents refused that option and never wavered in their devotion and took great care to make sure their daughter was protected and loved. Debbie lived in Lowellville for most of her life and received home-school visitation services from the School for the Retarded later known as the Leonard Kirtz School. Ms. Ann Planey was Debbie's teacher for many years providing guidance and support. Debbie later attended the workshop at Bev Masco and retired to the Javit Centre where she enjoyed so many activities and pampering.
Debbie touched many people's hearts with her beautiful soul. Debbie's brown eyes often communicated that she knew so much more than any words could say. Debbie's laugh and smile could make a bad day into a joyous one. Debbie loved comedy and action movies and anything on TV Land. Debbie could do the chicken dance moving only her right shoulder when the song was played. Debbie is now dancing with her parents, sister Eileen Malysa, nephew Joseph Ritzert and grandparents who loved her dearly.
Debbie will be missed by her sisters, Catherine (Richard) Grizinski, Rose (Tom) Pitzulo, Christine (John) Bielski, and Sharon (Randy) Weems, a brother Alan (Janie) Ritzert, a nephew Marc Weems, and niece Jessica Grizinski as well as great nephews Logan and Alex, aunts, uncles and numerous cousins. Debbie also will be missed by her dear friend Cheryl Mamula, friends and staff from Consumer Support Services (CSS) and Caprice Health Care Center. The family would like to thank the staff at Caprice for the great care they gave Debbie as well as to the staff at CSS where she lived for 15 years.
Family requests to honor Debbie by watching a comedy on TV Land and enjoying a good Belly Laugh!
A funeral service will be held 1pm on Monday March 17th at the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home in Lowellville. Interment will follow at Holy Rosary Cemetery in Lowellville.
Friends will be received from 11am to 12:45pm at the funeral home. A celebration of her life will begin at 12 noon until 12:30pm at the funeral home.
Debra was born September 13, 1956 to Clarence and Shirley Dupe Ritzert in Youngstown, Ohio. Debbie's parents were told shortly after birth that she would never walk or talk and would be better off placed in an institution. Debbie's parents refused that option and never wavered in their devotion and took great care to make sure their daughter was protected and loved. Debbie lived in Lowellville for most of her life and received home-school visitation services from the School for the Retarded later known as the Leonard Kirtz School. Ms. Ann Planey was Debbie's teacher for many years providing guidance and support. Debbie later attended the workshop at Bev Masco and retired to the Javit Centre where she enjoyed so many activities and pampering.
Debbie touched many people's hearts with her beautiful soul. Debbie's brown eyes often communicated that she knew so much more than any words could say. Debbie's laugh and smile could make a bad day into a joyous one. Debbie loved comedy and action movies and anything on TV Land. Debbie could do the chicken dance moving only her right shoulder when the song was played. Debbie is now dancing with her parents, sister Eileen Malysa, nephew Joseph Ritzert and grandparents who loved her dearly.
Debbie will be missed by her sisters, Catherine (Richard) Grizinski, Rose (Tom) Pitzulo, Christine (John) Bielski, and Sharon (Randy) Weems, a brother Alan (Janie) Ritzert, a nephew Marc Weems, and niece Jessica Grizinski as well as great nephews Logan and Alex, aunts, uncles and numerous cousins. Debbie also will be missed by her dear friend Cheryl Mamula, friends and staff from Consumer Support Services (CSS) and Caprice Health Care Center. The family would like to thank the staff at Caprice for the great care they gave Debbie as well as to the staff at CSS where she lived for 15 years.
Family requests to honor Debbie by watching a comedy on TV Land and enjoying a good Belly Laugh!
A funeral service will be held 1pm on Monday March 17th at the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home in Lowellville. Interment will follow at Holy Rosary Cemetery in Lowellville.
Friends will be received from 11am to 12:45pm at the funeral home. A celebration of her life will begin at 12 noon until 12:30pm at the funeral home.
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