Bill Ritz

Spouse: Sharon

Kids:

Darcy (1976)
Mindy Jo (1980)

Grand-Kids: 1 grandpuppy and 2 grandkittys (still)

Lewiston Tribune, Aug 9, 2019
William “Bill” F. Ritz

We lost a loving husband, dad, grandfather, brother and friend Saturday, Aug. 3, 2019.

William “Bill” Ritz, 73, passed away at Brookdale Assisted Living from complications of myelodysplastic syndrome, surrounded by his loving family and friends.

Bill was born Sept. 4, 1945, in Lewiston, to Robert and Lesley Ritz. He graduated from Lewiston High School in 1964 and shortly after graduation, enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Bill spent four years proudly serving his country at various duty stations and one tour of duty in Vietnam.

After discharge from the military, he started employment at Potlatch Forests Inc., (now Clearwater Paper) in 1970, as a hand loader and, with some change in technology, lumber was later loaded by forklifts. After 39 years of employment, mostly in the Lumber Shipping Department, he retired in 2009.

Bill and Sharon Gilliam were married in 1971 and had just celebrated their 48th anniversary prior to his passing. In 1976, their daughter, Darcy, was born. In 1980, Mindy joined the family, and the family adventures began. Camping, fishing, hunting — Bill taught us all the basics of the outdoors. He was very proud of his daughters and their accomplishments.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon; daughters Darcy Henderson (Percy) and Mindy Ritz; and grandchildren Jayden and Taylor Henderson. He is also survived by his mother, Lesley Ritz; sister Arlene Box (Blaise); brother-in-law Gary Gilliam (Bev); and cousin Jim Minnette (Mary Jayne).

He was preceded in death by his father, Robert; grandparents Leora Harrington and Fredrick Ritz and Fredrick and Elizabeth Minnette; and in-laws Howard and Irene Gilliam.

A graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Lewis Clark Memorial Gardens.

His family would like to thank the staff at Brookdale Assisted Living and Elite Hospice for their loving care.

Donations can be made to the Shriners Hospital.

Lewiston Tribune, Aug 5, 2019
William “Bill” F. Ritz

William “Bill” F. Ritz, 73, of Lewiston, died Saturday, Aug. 3, 2019, at Brookdale Assisted Living in Lewiston. Vassar-Rawls Funeral Home of Lewiston is in charge of arrangements.

2014 Reunion News:

In the last 50 years since high school, I have worked for and worked as the following:

U. S. Navy (4 years) 1966 - 1969
Potlatch Corporation-Lumber Shipping 35 years
Potlatch Corporation I Clearwater Paper Log Yard 4 years
Total of 39 years given to Potlatch

I did officially retire in 2008 and now keep busy doing:
Since retirement, I managed to have some kind of major injury every summer that prevented us from enjoying our camper.

I was diagnosed about 19 years ago with a Blood disorder that maintained itself until about the last 4 years. I have been on various treatment's to try to keep the blood numbers at an acceptable level. Unfortunately, we have not found that miracle treatment as yet, but still keeping up hope that we will eventually find it. No vacations to warmer climates as these treatments keep me running to the Dr.'s (clinic) often, but hope to someday travel again. My energy level is very low, my activities are limited.

I do enjoy our grandchildren, ages 4 and 1. They are very active and keeps me busy just trying to keep up with them. We are lucky that both our children remained in the Lewiston area and enjoy spending time with them and their families.

2009 Reunion News: I retired December 2008 after 38 years of giving my time to Potlatch Corp, now Clearwater Paper. I'm still not a grandfather (maybe someday) as our oldest daughter married earlier this year. Our youngest daughter recently graduated with a nursing degree, she now has three degrees to her credit.

Since my wife still works, our plans are to get as much camping in as feasibly possible. We continue to enjoy our vacations to Hawaii, in fact we will be going again one month after this reunion.

Since I was involved in a jet ski accident in May of this year (2009) in our front yard, and fractured a vertabrae and crushed my foot, we have had to stay close to home-no camping trips, but plan to make up for lost time next summer.

2004 Reunion News:

Past highlights: Watched both my daughters graduate from high school and college with honors in both. To watch them succeed in every path they have chosen.

Future Plans: To retire and enjoy the thought of not having to set an alarm clock everyday.

30 Year Reunion 1994

20 Year Reunion 1984

10 Year Reunion 1974