Elizabeth Josephine "Betty Jo" Ritz

Elizabeth Josephine Ritz ("Betty Jo") of Danbury, Texas entered into her eternal life in Heaven on January 31, 2022. Betty Jo was born in Angleton on August 15, 1932 to Meddie P. and Ella Bonneau Fief. Her family moved to Danbury in the mid-1940s, where she made her home. She graduated from Danbury High School in 1950 with memories as drum major, football sweetheart, fair queen candidate, and all-around athlete. Not long after moving to Danbury, she met the love of her life, Emil Ritz, who knew immediately he wanted to spend his life with her. Betty Jo and Emil married on June 7, 1952 and raised 5 children. Betty Jo worked at Dow Chemical for 27 years, retiring in 1990. They are long time members of St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Danbury. Betty Jo and Emil enjoyed hunting and fishing together and could often be found polka dancing or playing dominos with many close friends. Betty Jo loved working in her flowerbeds, annual bluebonnet fields, and the beautiful family garden where she took pride in her husband's hard work. Many friends were made every summer in their garage "store" selling fresh tomatoes. She was a great cook and made flawless pecan pies. Through all the joy Betty Jo had in her life, she treasured time with family the most. Betty Jo is preceded in death by her parents, Meddie and Ella Fief, daughter Cynthia Ann Ritz, sister Lucille Dannhaus, brother Leo Fief, and brother Francis Fief. She is survived by her husband of 69 years, Emil Ritz; Children, Marilyn Clem (Jim), Mark Ritz (Sindy), Sharon Bulanek (Donnie), Matt Ritz, and Deanna Fowler (Brice); Grandchildren, Teal Clem, Angela Garrett (Shawn), Aaron Carter (Carrie), Elizabeth Gibson (Derrick), Megan Udall (Nathaniel), Markie Ritz, Michelle Molyneaux (Rob), DJ Bulanek, III (Ashley), and Brook Auer (Clint); and numerous Great-Grandchildren. Betty Jo died peacefully in her sleep surrounded by loved ones and her dogs Trixie and Harry. The family will miss her dearly and asks that you think of her without sadness in her passing. We know the Lord and Savior has embraced Betty Jo and she is now home. Service Details. Family and friends are coming together online to create a special keepsake. Every memory left on the online obituary will be automatically included in this book. View Tribute Book