Betty Marie (Elmborg) Ritter, passed away Thursday, November 26, 2020, at the age of 91. She was born January 4, 1929, in Lindsborg, the daughter of Arthur and Hanna Mattson Elmborg. Betty's mother immigrated to America, from Sweden and her father was a second generation Swedish immigrant.
Betty was one of 5 children, in the Elmborg family. She grew up on a farm, outside of Lindsborg. Living in a large family with three brothers and a sister during difficult economic times, helped define the values and principles that guided her, throughout her life.
Betty graduated from Lindsborg High School in 1947 and attended Kansas Wesleyan. While attending Kansas Wesleyan, Betty met the love of her life, John Ritter, from Salina. Betty and John were married August 19, 1950, and shared their lives together for more than 60 years, before John passed away January 29, 2011.
Betty was fun-loving and ever the optimist. She was also thrifty, and a hard worker. She worked for many years, as the office manager for Salina Dental Associates and Dr. Harry Jett and enjoyed the relationships she formed there, with staff and patients.
Betty loved her family and her home, on West Ellsworth Street, where she and John lived next door to her sister, Helen Loy, and her husband, Lefty, for more than 35 years.
Betty was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She was proud of her family and made each family member feel valued and special. She gave freely of her time and herself. She was always willing to listen, lend support, and roll up her sleeves to pitch-in, whenever and wherever help was needed. She was loved and cherished, in return.
Betty was proud of her Swedish heritage and that fact was reflected, in her Swedish prayer, jokes, and specialty dishes for the holidays that included Ostakaka, Lingonberries, Lutefisk, and more.
Betty is survived by three children, John Ritter III, of Scottsdale, Arizona, James (Martha) Ritter, of Naperville, Illinois, and Teresa (Tom) Martin, of Salina; five grandchildren, Aaron (Jessica) Martin, of Salina, Ryan Ritter, of Naperville, Illinois, Nathan (Lisa) Martin, of Olathe, Daniel (Mariah), of Kansas City, and Molly Martin (fiancee Blake Warren) of Murrieta, California; and five great grandchildren, Hailey, Ella, and Connor Martin, of Olathe, and Oliver and Jack Martin, of Salina.
Betty was predeceased by her parents, her husband, John and the following brothers and sister: Arthur Elmborg, James Elmborg, Richard Elmborg, and Helen Loy.
Due to Covid-19 gathering restrictions and precautions, Betty will be inurned, at a private family ceremony, at a later date.
Memorials are suggested to Immanuel Lutheran Church.