Bernice Betty Ritter

Bernice Betty Buechler Ritter was born on October 5, 1932 in Mahto, South Dakota and passed away on February 3, 2019 at Valley Medical Center in Kent, Washington after a long battle with Alzheimers Disease. Bemice grew up on the family farm near McLaughlin, South Dakota. Some of her fondest memories were of her early childhood and farm life. The Dakota winters were harsh, and money was tight but she loved her childhood and would get a sparkle in her eyes when reminiscing about the "good old days." After her marriage to Ervin Merkel, Bernice moved to Montana and raised four children. She worked for many years as the night manager of Boyd's Burger Master. She enjoyed her many adventures with the teenagers she would meet and her family loved the secret recipes they could enjoy at home. Later she worked as a baker at Montana Deaconess Hospital. She was an accomplished cook and baker and many people have enjoyed her homemade treats and favorite German recipes. On May 1, 1985 she married her soulmate, William Ritter. They lived in Fort Shaw, Montana. Bernice enjoyed the country life. She loved to plant flowers, go on long drives, photograph and video wildlife, and visit with new and old friends. Bill passed away in 2000 and Bernice moved back to Great Falls until Alzheimers forced her to go into assisted living. Bernice is survived by her son, Myron Merkel of Helena; daughters, Kathy (Kevin) Voytoski of Great Falls and Sheryl (Mark) Clasen of Sun City, AZ; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; son Marvin Merkel; four sisters; and three brothers. Per her request, no services are being planned.