Elizabeth J. Ritt, 84, of Crystal Lake

Elizabeth J. (nee Ring) Ritt, age 84, of Crystal Lake, passed away on Nov. 19, 2013, in Woodstock.

Elizabeth (Betty) was born on Feb. 19, 1929, in Highland Park to Norman and Ethel Ring.

Elizabeth spent her early years in the Antioch/Lake Villa area, and graduated from Antioch High School in 1947. After marriage and moving to Crystal Lake, she worked in the offices of Drs. Hillstrom, Bryant and Wall, and also Dr. Paul Wilson.

She was an admissions coordinator at McHenry County College until 1984 when she suffered disabling injuries in an auto accident.

She was a creative woman, who always had several projects going at one time. She loved cooking, baking, sewing, needlework and gardening. She designed and made many banners for Immanuel Lutheran Church.

After her car accident and many months of rehabilitation, she found new ways to give of herself through volunteering, crafting and being a grandma. Elizabeth spent most of her time maintaining and nurturing the relationships that were such an important part of her life.

She is survived by two daughters, Cynthia Ritt (Andy Snarski), Barbara (Mark) Balasi, and her AFS daughter, Ana Maria (Oscar) Pereira; grandchildren Geoff Balasi, Maria Balasi, Alexandre Pereira, Ana Paula Pereira, Nicole Snarski and Alex Snarski. She is also survived by three sisters, Laura Barden, Arvis (George) Nelson, Aleeta Osmond, two brothers Edward Ring and Wallace (Vicki) Ring; former husband, Vernon Ritt; 30 loving nieces and nephews, and those who lovingly refer to her as “other mother.”

She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Lester Ring.

Elizabeth was a loving mom, daughter, sister, aunt and friend. She was beloved by many and a friend to all who knew her. She was an example of courage and determination to everyone who knew her life story. Despite her challenges, she never gave up. She never quit.

Visitation will be from 2 p.m. until the time of the memorial service at 5 p.m. on Saturday, December 7, 2013 at Davenport Funeral Home, 419 E. Route 176, Crystal Lake.

Memorials may be made in Elizabeth’s name to either The NISRA Foundation at www.nisra.org or Helping Paws at www.helpingpaws.net from which she adopted her sweet little companion, Sadie.