Cover photo for Nanette Ritter's Obituary
Nanette Ritter Profile Photo

Nanette Ritter

September 6, 1938 — November 28, 2021

Nanette Ritter

Nanette Needham Ritter , of Indianapolis, IN passed away at home with her husband, daughter and son all present on November 28, 2021.  She was born on September 6, 1938 to the late Raymond E. and Justine Irene (Williams) Needham in Marion, Indiana.

Beloved by those who knew her kindness and generosity, Nanette was someone who always served to leave a person or situation better than she found it.  A member of Zionsville Presbyterian Church and active with the food pantry, Nanette was a retired registered nurse, school board member, philanthropist, furniture restorer, and homemaker.  Above all, the most cherished roles in her life were that of wife, mother, and grandmother.  She loved spending time with her family and was loved by all who knew her gentle spirit and unwavering goodness. This legacy of love will resonate in the communities and families she touched throughout her life.

Nanette loved to find opportunities to help others.  She was always gifting hams, helping pay utilities or making sure that a warm, Merry Christmas was celebrated by families in need.  Donating not just monetarily but with her time and spirit to local organizations like Gleaners, Wheeler Mission and Meals on Wheels.  She was an avid reader, and her intellect and keen memory meant you always wanted her on your team in Trivial Pursuit; she would baffle people with her recall in all areas.  A student her whole life.

Nanette is survived by her husband of 59 years, Merrill A. Ritter M.D.; daughter, Wendy Ritter Coglianese and husband Chris; son, James Caleb "Jake" Ritter and fiancée Christina Pippen; grandchildren, Austin Coglianese, Ryan Coglianese, Eric Coglianese, Cale Ritter, and Graham Ritter, as well as Izabelle Pippen and Jacob Pippen; brother, Benjamin R. Needham and wife Nancy; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation will be from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM on Saturday December, 4, 2021 at Zionsville Presbyterian Church, 4775 West 116th Street, Zionsville, Indiana 46077.  The Memorial Service will be held at the church after visitation along with dinner following the service for those who wish to attend.  A private family interment will be at Crown Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to causes close to Nanette’s heart: Fortune Academy, 5626 Lawton Loop E. Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46216, where her grandson Cale attends school; or Zionsville Presbyterian Church Food Pantry, 4775 West 116th Street, Zionsville, Indiana 46077, where she was a dedicated volunteer for many years.

Condolences:  www.randallroberts.com

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Nanette Ritter, please visit our flower store.

Past Services

Visitation

Saturday, December 4, 2021

2:00 - 4:00 pm

Zionsville Presbyterian Church

4775 W 116th St, Zionsville, IN 46077

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Funeral Service

Saturday, December 4, 2021

Starts at 4:00 pm

Zionsville Presbyterian Church

4775 W 116th St, Zionsville, IN 46077

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Inurnment

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