Gayle Kathryn Ritter

In Loving Memory of Gayle Kathryn Ritter

Gayle Kathryn Ritter, aged 83, of Salem, Oregon, passed away peacefully on September 9, 2025. Born on March 2, 1942, in Akron, Ohio, she was the beloved daughter of Nevin and Faye Brothers. During her senior year of high school, her family relocated across the country to settle in Salem, where she graduated from South Salem High School in 1960.

Following her high school education, Gayle pursued her higher education at the University of Oregon, graduating with honors and earning a Bachelor of Science degree. She then attended Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland, Oregon, where she acquired her medical technology degree. This credential led her to a fulfilling career, spanning 35 years, at the Salem Clinic.

In 1966, fate intervened as Gayle was set up on a blind date by her sister and his brother. She met her future husband at the top of the Space Needle in Seattle, Washington. Their conversation continued into the early morning hours, and Gayle felt an instant connection. They married on February 18, 1967, and soon after, she joined him in the Philippines while he was stationed there during the Vietnam War.

Two years later, while they were in Germany, Gayle welcomed their first daughter, Jennifer Marie Ritter. Upon returning to Salem, the family grew with the birth of their second daughter, Annaliese Ritter. Throughout her life, Gayle embraced an active, spiritual, and fulfilling existence surrounded by close family and friends.

Gayle had a zest for life; she enjoyed jazzercise, hiking, and taking walks in the beautiful parks of Salem. An avid sewer, she crafted many outfits for her daughters during their childhood and later took up quilting as a social activity, creating quilts to donate to charity. Her love for reading was evident as she spent countless hours sharing stories with her children and grandchildren. Additionally, she volunteered much of her spare time reading to grade school children struggling to read.

Family was precious to Gayle. She cherished every moment spent with her grandsons, Cameron and Justin, as well as with Jennifer and Annaliese. Together with her husband, she traveled extensively, particularly enjoying trips to France and Italy. Renowned for her culinary skills, she delighted family and friends each holiday season with her famous Christmas cookies. Gayle was also a talented artist, showcasing her skills in both sketching and painting.

At the age of 70, Gayle was diagnosed with dementia. Together with her husband, Rick, they faced this challenge with resilience and strength, extending her quality of life for as long as possible.

Gayle is deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her surviving family: her husband, Rick Ritter; daughters, Jennifer Collins and Annaliese Stewart (Jackie); grandsons, Cameron Collins and Justin Stewart; sister, Joyce Kart; brother, Michael Brothers (Mary-d); nephew, Sam Kart; and numerous other nieces and nephews on the Ritter side of the family.

In her honor, donations can be made to Mid Valley Literacy center at www.midvalleyliteracycenter.org