Penny Ritter

Penelope Jane (Penny) Ritter, 77, took her first breath of rarified heavenly air Monday, Aug. 19, 2024. 
Penny was born March 17, 1947, to Harold W. and Annie (Brownlee) Ritter in Truman. She graduated from Truman High School in 1965 and from Sioux Falls College (SFC) with a sociology degree in 1969, which she put into practice as a social service worker in Martin County. She then graduated from North American Baptist Seminary in 1975 and was ordained in 1978 in her home church, Truman Community Baptist Church. From 1978 through 2023 she filled the pulpit either full time or as an interim pastor in Sioux Falls, Sterling/Aurora/White and Beresford, S.D.; Sac City and Storm Lake, Iowa; and Truman, Fairmont, Winnebago, Mapleton and Amboy. Other ministries included SFC chaplain, as well as chaplain for HOSPICE, several hospitals and Fountain Center Drug & Alcohol Rehab in Fairmont. Penny also held a weekly Bible study group, which she thoroughly enjoyed.
She loved to travel and toured Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, the East Coast, Mississippi River cruises, Ireland, England, Italy and took multiple trips to Japan. Her time spent at the “cabin” in Pequot Lakes was very special to her.
Penny was preceded in death by her parents. 
Penny is survived by her brother, Robert (Lois) Ritter; many Ritter cousins as well as special cousins Wanda Wilson, Vanessa Kettner, Sam Wilson, Natalie and Berkeley Schubert and Travis Kettner. 
Her memorial service will be held at Truman Trinity Lutheran Church on Saturday, Sept. 28. Visitation will be from 10:30 until the time of the service at noon. 
She requested no flowers as she would rather have you donate to the Heifer Project (aid for hungry children), any abuse shelters or to the maintenance of Westford Cemetery. 
Born once, die twice; born twice, die once.