Rita Ann Ritter

Rita Ann Ritter (née Eckenrode) of Vienna, Virginia, passed away on January 21, 2026. She
was born on May 1, 1939, in Mount Lebanon, Pennsylvania, to James and Margaret Eckenrode.
After moving to Northern Virginia, she attended Fairfax High School, excelling in softball,
basketball, and field hockey, earning eight letters, and meeting the love of her life, Warren Ritter.
They bought their first home in Vienna, Virginia where they raised their family and were happily
married until Warren’s untimely passing in 1987.

A beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, Rita was also a longtime member of Emmanuel
Lutheran Church. Her life was filled with joy, shaped by her love of sports, the outdoors, and the
people closest to her. A passionate fan of the Washington Nationals, Commanders, and
Capitals, she rarely missed a game and cheered on her teams with unmatched enthusiasm.
She cherished her time at the beach, and loved getting outside to golf, bicycle, and travel.
Always the athlete, at 50, Rita rediscovered her passion for softball, joining the Golden Girls
Senior Softball League. A skilled pitcher on their tournament teams, she treasured the travel,
competition, and lifelong friendships she made, playing well into her 70s. At home, she enjoyed
sewing, knitting, gardening, and especially birdwatching, delighting in the many birds drawn to
her backyard feeders. Above all, she took immense pride in her children and found her greatest
joy in her grandchildren.

Rita is survived by her children Doug Ritter (Lucy), Steve Ritter, and Cindy Browning (Ben); and
grandchildren Anna Ritter, Janie Ritter, Carmen Artola (Diego), Joseph Ritter, Gena Ritter,
Samuel Ritter, Chase Browning, John Ritter, and Elyssa Ritter. She was preceded in death by
her husband, Warren Ritter.

A service will be held on February 3 at 11 a.m. at Emmanuel Lutheran Church (2589 Chain
Bridge Rd., Vienna, VA), followed by a reception at Bear Branch Tavern (133 Maple Ave.,
Vienna, VA). Interment will take place on February 4 at 10 a.m. at Fairfax Memorial Park (9900
Braddock Rd., Fairfax, VA).

The family extends heartfelt thanks to INOVA Fairfax Hospital and Lake Manassas Health &
Rehabilitation Center for their care and compassion.