Janet Marie Ritter

Janet Marie Ritter (nee Rehkemper), known to her loved ones and friends as Jan, passed away due to a long-term illness on December 18, 2023, in Prince Frederick, Md. She was born on November 22, 1948, in San Antonio, Texas. 

Jan was a graduate of La Reine High School (Suitland, Md.) and the University of Maryland, where she met her beloved husband of 55 years, Bob Ritter. 

Jan retired from Prince Georges County Md. Public Schools in 2004 after a 35-year teaching career. During that time, she taught every elementary grade and was a Reading Recovery Specialist.  

Jan Marie and Bob Ritter coauthored two memoirs: Breaking Tecumseh’s Curse and Did You Choose Your Parents? The highly acclaimed works spotlighted their early years together when Bob was a U.S. Secret Service agent. 

She's remembered as a warm and vibrant person, who selflessly cared more about others than herself. Jan was devoted to her friends and family. She especially cherished time spent with soul mate Bob Ritter, children: Caren Gallaudet (Tim), Rob Ritter (Julie), and granddaughters Laurel, Aspen, and Cedar Gallaudet, and Josie and Addy Ritter. 

Jan enjoyed walking the North Beach, Md. boardwalk, antiquing, working crossword puzzles, and travel. She was a member of many organizations including the Red Hat Society, the U. of Md. Alumni Association, and the Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum. She supported many charities and causes. 

Her love, kindness, and compassion will be dearly missed by all who were fortunate to have known her. 

A celebration of Jan's life will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 11 at Lee Funeral Home in Owings, Md. (8200 Jennifer Lane). Family and friends are invited to come together to honor and remember the beautiful soul that she was and still is... 

It was Jan's request that any memorial contributions be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. 

Private interment will be at St. John Vianney Cemetery in Prince Frederick, Md. 

It’s not farewell, but until we meet again…