Obituary of Dell Marie Ritter

Mrs. Dell Marie Simmons Ritter, age 82, a resident of Lakeland passed away Wednesday, November 15, 2023 at Lakeland Regional surrounded by family. Mrs. Ritter was born June 19, 1941 in Avon Park, FL. to Steve Edward and Obera Elizabeth (Hinds) Simmons. She was a lifetime Lakeland resident and graduated from Lakeland High School. Dell and her husband were the Owner & Operators of the family business H & O Cold Storage and Food Sales of Lakeland. Dell was a member of Reynolds Road Baptist Church and Gapway Baptist Church both in Lakeland. She taught Sunday school and volunteered to teach a Bible study for different nursing homes. She enjoyed spreading the word of Jesus, Sunday family dinners, playing the piano, canning, vegetable gardening and loved to spend time with her family. She was preceded in death by her parents - Reverend Steve & Obera Simmons and sister – Velma Newsome. Dell is survived by her loving family, husband of 63 years – Jesse V. Ritter; son – Jesse C. (Stephanie) Ritter; daughter – Teressa Ritter; 2 sisters – Marvella (Johnny) Harrell and Joanne Wood; 5 grandchildren – Jesse (Leah), Magan, Tracy (Garret), Heather (Jonathan) and Mark (Val); 3 gt grandchildren – Tyler, Savannah and Matthew. Funeral service will be 11am Tuesday, November 21^st with visitation beginning at 10am both at Kersey Funeral Home