Ridgely "Butch" A. Ritter Sr.

Ridgely "Butch" A. Ritter, Sr. age 76, of Syracuse, passed away in his residence surrounded by his family on February 1, 2025.. He was born on May 16, 1948, in Wolf Lake, Indiana, to Richard Ritter and Betty Emery Ritter. He married Terri Chilcote on October 16, 1982.

He dedicated a significant portion of his life to his career as an electrician with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Fort Wayne Local 305, retiring in 2008 after many years of service. Butch was a proud veteran, having served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam, demonstrating his commitment to his country.

A graduate of Ligonier High School, class of 1966, Butch's personality was described as rough around the edges, yet those who knew him understood he was truly a big teddy bear at heart. His love for family was paramount, and he excelled in nurturing those relationships throughout his life.

Butch was an avid collector of antique firearms and had an unmistakable passion for motorcycles and boating on his vintage Chris-Craft. He also enjoyed playing cards. His leisure time reflected his interests, allowing him to enjoy the beauty of life and nature. He was a dedicated member of the community, participating actively in organizations such as the American Legion Ligonier Post, Syracuse Eagles, and the Syracuse Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). He was also a supportive parent and volunteer for Syracuse Boy Scouts Troop 728 and coached Syracuse Baseball Youth League for several years.

He is survived by his wife, Terri Ritter, residing in Syracuse, along with their children: Tammy (George) Wolfe of Wolcottville, Brandi Jo (Adam) Niles of Cromwell, Ridgely "Butch" Ritter Jr. of Angola, Trevor (Nikki Vaught) Ritter of Milford, and Tyler (Ali Krauter) Ritter of North Webster. He was a proud grandfather to Amanda, Kaitlyn, Tyler, Payton, Brody, Natalie, Ridgely III, Ivory, Brooke, Tristin, Jade, Allizabeth, Trent, Landon, and Nash, and cherished his role as a great-grandfather to 16 great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind his sister, Wendy Ritter of Ligonier. He was preceded in death by his parents, son Travis Ritter and grandsons William Cressey and Trace Ritter.

A Life Celebration Visitation will be held on February 15, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Titus Funeral Home, 1001 S. Huntington Street, Syracuse, IN 46567. It will be followed by a funeral service beginning at 1:00 PM with friend Vince Wilczynski leading the service. Burial will follow at Oak Park Cemetery in Ligonier, IN. A time of remembrance will also be held on Feb. 23, 2:00-5:00 pm at the Syracuse Eagles, 12889 N. Kern Road, Syracuse.

Memorial donations may be given to the Syracuse Boy Scout Troop #728.