Velma Louise Ritter, age 92 of Elwood, died Monday, October 14, 2013 at Community Parkview Care Center in Elwood after an extended illness. She was born February 5, 1921 in Elwood, the daughter of Karl and Hazel (Jackson) Boyer. She retired from Continental Can Corporation in 1983 where she worked in production for more than 34 years. She was a 1939 graduate of Elwood High School. Velma married Joel H. Ritter on February 3, 1940. She attended the Pilgrim Holiness Church in Elwood for many years. She enjoyed quilting and was well-known for making baby blankets for family members and friends. Velma was a very devoted and loving mother and grandmother, and loved spending time with her family - especially her grandchildren. She was also known for sending cards for many occasions to family and friends.

Velma's surviving family includes 5 children, Frances "Darlene" (husband James) DeVore of Orestes, Jacklyn Sue (husband Paul) Lane of Elwood, Bonnie Jane (husband Larry) Lawson of Lapel, Regina Raye (David) Cress of Elwood, and Ronald Joe (wife Cindy) Ritter of Noblesville; sister, Martha Jane (husband James) Bales of Muncie; 22 grandchildren, Danny DeVore, Chuck DeVore, Lisa Lane, Paul "Rocky" Lane, Teresa Jones-Gross, Tammy Cox, Stephanie Boothroyd, Karla Gordon, Heather Owen, Rebecca Ritter, Amanda Ritter, Lori Webb, Kristina Nightenhelser, Barbie Lawson, Scott Overdorf, Teri Maynard, Matt Ritter, Jonathan Carey, Greg Ritter, Doug Ritter, David Carey and Jennifer Carey; numerous great-grandchildren; several great-great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 49 years, Joel H. Ritter who died February 12, 1989; 2 children, Karl R. Ritter and Peggy Ann Ritter; 3 sisters; and 3 brothers.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 19, 2013 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Rev. Mark Arnett of the Pilgrim Holiness Church officiating. Burial will follow in the Elwood City Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 3 to 8 PM on Friday, October 18, 2013 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Pilgrim Holiness Church Building Fund, 121 South A Street, Elwood, IN 46036 or through the funeral home. Online condolences: www.copherfeslermay.com.