Margaret Ritts, 92, died Monday, Jan. 17 of natural causes at Laurel Crest.

She was a native of Jacksonville, Florida, where she met and married Ernest Ritts. She lived in Oakdale for 73 years.

Mrs. Ritts and her husband moved to Oakdale in 1937 where they owned and operated a dairy for 30 years.

She was a homemaker and spent many happy times at the dairy raising their children. After retiring from the dairy, she enjoyed spending summers working at Kennedy Meadows in the General Store.

She was a wonderful mother and grandmother. She loved baking and sewing for her children and grandchildren, leaving an abundance of memories and keepsakes. She will be remembered for her beautiful smile, sweet nature and the way she lit up a room just by being in it.

She is survived by her children, Ernest (Mary Ann) Ritts of Montana, Kenny (Nancy) Ritts of Oakdale, William (Gail) Ritts of Sonora, Diana (Phil) Rivera, Joyce (Chris) Bonnet, Judy (Luke) Vejar, all of Oakdale; 12 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and three great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest Ritts; and granddaughter, Traci Ritts.

A service was held Jan. 24 at Community United Methodist Church, Oakdale. Interment was at Oaklawn Memorial Park.

Remembrances may be made in her memory to Community Hospice.

The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader

Jan. 26, 2011