Gladys Ritenour Obituary

Gladys Mae Russell Ritenour passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at the Hampshire Center in Romney, West Virginia.

She was born in Uhrichsville, Ohio, January 15, 1931. She was 94 years old, and she left a very memorable impression on all who knew her. She will surely be missed.

Gladys was a loving and kind wife, mother, and grandmother, and she was loved by so many outside of her immediate family, as well. Her smile could light up a room, and her hugs were tender and comforting. She loved to sit quietly and just listen to others as they enjoyed their time together. Her faith kept her strong, and her answer to your question was always "Trust God." She loved big. Her children were her pride and joy, and as the grandchildren came along, that pride grew even bigger.

Gladys was the eldest of five children born to David Lester & Elva Eleanora Parcell Russell, who preceded her in death. She had three sisters: Mary Rettig, Shirley Hall, and Ethel Torok, and a brother, David Russell, who all preceded her as well. After graduating high school, she moved to Washington, D.C. where she took her first job as a secretary for the United States Navy. It is there that she met her future husband, Edward Clarkson Ritenour Sr., who was serving in the United States Army. They met at a military dance and from that moment, their love blossomed. Soon after, they married and started their beautiful family. They had eight children, of which she is survived: Arlene Ritenour Fabiano (Joe), Marilyn Ritenour Smith, Margaret Ritenour Daniel (Steve) Julia Ritenour Fraino (John), Edward Ritenour Jr., Charles Ritenour (Tina), Glenna Ritenour Eskew (Bruce), and Della Ritenour Davis (Terry). Gladys has 25 grandchildren and was preceded in death by her grandson, Joseph Fabiano Jr. She has 32 great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter.

Gladys was a homemaker, along with being a homeroom mom and a Brownie & Girl Scout leader. She was an all-around helper. In the early years, she liked making her house a home. She enjoyed finding antique furniture and refinishing it to make it new again. Later on, she would work several jobs in the restaurant and retail industry. Gladys loved writing poetry and songs. She was a very talented lady who used those talents to provide for her family. A white sheet wasn't just for making beds. She could use it to make clothing for her family with just a paper bag pattern. She was always up for the challenge.

Gladys' family came first and she, along with her husband, worked hard to lead by example. They were married 52 years. Her husband, Clark, preceded her in death.

Gladys Mae Russell Ritenour's legacy will live on through her large and loving family.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at McKee Funeral Home Chapel at 11:00 A.M. with Richard Rexrode, Minister officiating. The family will receive friends on Friday, 6-8pm, at the funeral home. Interment will be in McInturff Cemetery, Fort Valley, VA.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude's Children Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, www.stjude.org/donate.

All arrangements are handled by McKee Funeral Home, Augusta, WV.