Nancy Ritter, 64, longtime resident of Beaumont, died February 24, 2015, at Harbor Hospice. Born May 23, 1950, in E. Chicago, Indiana, she is the daughter of Donald Gordon Smith and Mary Eudelle Smith.

Nancy is survived by her father, Donald Smith of Beaumont; her daughter, Christie Ritter Shoemaker and husband, Fletcher, of Beaumont; brothers, Patrick Smith and wife, Vickie, of Deer Park, Richard Smith and wife, Patty, of Kingwood and Gordon Smith and wife, Chrys, of Surf Side, California; sisters, Janet Perisho of Richardson; Trudy Johnson and husband, James, of Beaumont; and two step-grandchildren. Her mother, Mary Eudelle Smith, precedes Nancy in death.

Nancy possessed a beautiful smile and vibrant spirit, which she shared with family and friends.  She expressed her love for music and dance through church choir and community theatre.  However, Nancy believed there is no greater love than that of being a mother and felt it was her greatest accomplishment. Nancy and her daughter, Christie, shared a special bond, not only as mother and daughter, but also as best friends.  Before succumbing to the effects of Alzheimer’s disease, Nancy felt it was important to share her story volunteering her time with the Alzheimer’s Association. To this endeavor, she traveled to Washington D.C. and lobbied for increased research funding to bring about a cure for Alzheimer’s disease.   

Nancy was a resident at The Jefferson Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Beaumont, Texas. The family would like to thank the entire staff for the care of Nancy received. The family extends a personal appreciation for Kendrah and Renin for their unwavering compassionate care they provided to Nancy.

The family is also grateful for the exceptional care provided by the entire staff of Harbor Hospice in Beaumont, Texas. Their professional compassionate care for patients and family is unparalleled.

A gathering of Ms. Ritter’s family and friends will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Friday, February 27, 2015, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. Her memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, February 28, 2015, at Broussard’s.

In lieu of flowers, family requests memorial contributions are made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 700 North Street, Suite M, Beaumont, Texas 77701.