Carol J. Gilmore Rittman, 80, of rural Montgomery City, died on Monday, May 23, 2022, at the King’s Daughters Home in Mexico, surrounded by family.
Carol Johann Gilmore Rittman was born on May 5, 1942 in Fulton, Missouri to John D. Gilmore and Erna Louise Dunham Gilmore. After graduating from Mexico High School she attended Christian College in Columbia, (known now as Columbia College). On Sept. 15, 1961 she married Donald Neal Rittman in Mexico, and they have been married for over 60 wonderful years. Mrs. Rittman was a member of the PEO Sisterhood since 1976, was a Brownie and Girl Scout Leader, was a coach for Little League Softball, a member of the First United Methodist-Presbyterian Church in Montgomery City, a member of the Suzanna’s Ladies Club with the Church; helped with the Wellness Clinics at the Montgomery County Health Department; helped with the Montgomery County Fair judging the crafts; and enjoyed playing bridge and Bunco. She was a very talented painter, made many things out of stained glass, enjoyed basket weaving, and working with ceramics. Mrs. Rittman was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She loved visiting with all her family and friends. Enjoyed going to their home at the Lake of the Ozarks. Carol traveled with her husband, Don, to so many beautiful parts of our country. Together they enjoyed sharing these beautiful places with their dear friends and family. Carol had a loving heart and cared deeply for others. She brought an element of fun and laughter to all occasions. She will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her.
Mrs. Rittman is survived by her husband, Donald Neal Rittman of rural Montgomery City; three daughters: Susan Brown of Mexico; Christy Boughan and husband, Rick, of Lake Winnebago; and Kerri Carter and husband, Wayne, of Huntersville, NC; grandchildren: Shane Brown and wife, Kiersten, and great-grandson, Benson of Mexico; and Matthew Brown of Mexico; Merrilee Boughan of Kansas City; Laura Boughan of Denver, Colo.; Lesleigh Thomas and husband, Phillip, of Cornelius, N.C.; Hanley Carter and wife, Alexandra of Concord, N.C.. Also surviving is her brother, John Gilmore and wife, Kathy, of Paris, Mo.; sister-in-law, Jeanne Boes of Mexico; niece, Cindy Rittman of Columbia, MO; and numerous other nieces, nephews, and friends.
Mrs. Rittman was preceded in death by her parents, John Delno and Erna Louise Dunham Gilmore; father-in-law and mother-in-law, William Henry and Ruth Victoria Neal Rittman; son-in-law, Ben Brown; brother, Phil Gilmore and wife, Jeannie; and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Bill Rittman, Mollie Rittman, Shirley Rittman, and Al Boes.
Mrs. Rittman was cremated and there will be a celebration of life for close friends and family at a future date.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital of Memphis, TN, c/o Schlanker Funeral Home, 207 Danville Road, Montgomery City, MO 63361.
