Betty Jo Fritts Ritter

On Saturday, August 9, 2025, Betty Ritter passed away peacefully in her home at the age of 89.

Betty was born in Oak Ridge, TN (Wheat Community) on October 3, 1935 to Ernest and Mary Fritts. On September 28, 1957, she married her soulmate, James Ritter. Together, they raised three children: Doug, Freida, and Karen.

Betty was part of the Coalhill Community and a life long member of Coalhill Baptist Church. Some hobbies Betty loved most were spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She was known to most as “Mamaw” and she was the best there was. She also loved cooking and made the best southern biscuits. Betty was an avid Vols fan and loved cheering them on in any sport.

She is preceded in death by her parents: Ernest and Mary Fritts; her husband of 64 years, James Ritter; sisters: Roy (Ella Mae) Fritts, Della (Gene) Bale, Mary (Tommy) Hamby and Iva (Donnie) Coker.

She is survived by her children: Doug (Lisa) Ritter, Freida (Todd) Smith, Karen (Dewaine) Lane; by grandchildren: Shawney (David) Spicer, Ben Ritter, Jim Ritter, Shana Ritter, Brandon Ritter, Mike (Amy) Filyaw, Will (Brittany) Mattox, Matt (Jamie) Ritter, Kelly (Wayne) Milliken, Alec Ritter, Hannah Lane (Chad Sills); by great grandchildren: Seth, Collin, and Evin Ritter, Grace and Scotty Miller, Addison and Michael Filyaw, Elsey and Caleb Ritter, Briley Mattox, Alexia and Abigail Milliken, Isaac and Josie Sills; by her brother: Dean (Patty) Fritts; by her two sisters-in law: Delores Bennett and Mary Allen; by two special care-givers: Angie Sills and Nylayne Vendola; and many others who loved her and called her “Mamaw.”

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, August 13, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Coalhill Baptist Church. Funeral Service at 3:00 p.m. with Pastor TJ Aytes and Robert Humphreys officiating. Graveside service will follow at Ritter Cemetery.

Sharp Funeral Home is proud to be serving the Ritter Family during this difficult time.