Robert Prescott "Skip" Ritner

November 25, 1939 – November 19, 2017

Age 77

After a 17-year journey with Parkinson’s, Skip went to be with the Lord, as his family surrounded him.  He was born in Bakersfield, California and immediately adopted into the loving arms of Robert and Marion Ritner.  Shortly after, the family moved to Long Beach, California where he grew up with his sister Julie.  He attended Poly High School and helped out in the family furniture business when he was able, saving time to enjoy all the amenities of Southern California beaches.  After visiting his grandmother each summer in Montana, he decided to attend Montana State University in Bozeman where he was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity, met his future wife, Jeanette, and graduated with a degree in business.    Upon their graduations, they were married 55 years ago on December 30, 1961.  Their honeymoon was driving to Oakland, California where Skip reported to the U.S. Coast Guard Reserves Basic Training for six months, and Jeanette began substitute teaching in the area. For the next seven years, Skip joined in the family furniture business in Long Beach and two of their sons were born.  There was always an interest in moving to the Northwest, so in 1968 Skip began working for Union Oil Co. in Portland, Oregon and thereafter was transferred to Pendleton, Oregon where their third son joined the family.  Further transfers were to Tacoma, Seattle, and finally Spokane, where he eventually retired in 1996. A considerable amount of business travelling ensued during these years. Shortly after their marriage, Skip launched into his lifetime passion/hobby of antique, classic automobiles.  His first was a 1949 MG-TC with which he and Jeanette participated in endless events throughout Southern California.  Over the years he collected cars, sold some and bought more with the 30’s Packards becoming his most desired. For 26 years he also manufactured a part for certain Packards, receiving a national award for helping to keep the 30’s Packards on the road, even in Australia and Europe.  He was active in the local HASSIE car club for 39 years as well as several national organizations.  He devoted his life to his family and to his automobiles. Skip was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Marion Ritner, parents –in-law Henry and Lydia Maier and brother-in-law Stan Simpson.  He is survived by his wife Jeanette; sons Bob (Joan), Wesley and Bradley Clay Ritner; grandchildren Hannah, Zach, Wendy and Winnie; sister Julie; brother-in-law Ron Maier (Gloria) and several nieces and nephews.  The family would like to express our deepest gratitude to Hospice of Spokane and Guardian Angels Homes for their loving care this last year. Services will be held at 11:00 a.m.  on Monday, December 4,  at Redeemer Lutheran Church at 3606 S. Schafer Rd., Spokane, WA 99206.  Following the service, a reception will be held at the church. Donations may be made to Hospice of Spokane at 121 S. Arthur, Spokane, WA 99202 or Redeemer Lutheran Church.

 Service Information