Joan M. (Fortener) Ritzert

RITZERT, Joan M. (Fortener), age 97, of Kettering, OH, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 21, 2025. Joan was born on February 3, 1928, to the late John and Emma Breig, in Dayton, OH. One of 12 sisters, “Jo” grew up in the Dayton area and graduated from Julienne High School in 1946. She met and later married her first husband, Louis Fortener, in 1949, and shortly after started their family together. They had four sons, William (Bill) in 1953, Richard (Rick) in 1956, John in 1958, and Robie (Rob) in 1961. They were long-time members of Ascension Catholic Church. Jo was involved over the years with Cursillo, Hospice of Dayton, the Marthas, and the Chat & Chew women’s group. 

Over the years Jo worked as a bank teller, a school crossing guard, and as a receptionist at various optometry offices. She retired to be a full-time grandmother to her 15 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Throughout her life Jo’s priority was her family, and she was always happiest when she could get the family together over a home-cooked meal. She was part of a legendary Bunco group that pushed the sound limits in the homes of the monthly host. Jo loved playing various card games including 5 dimes, Uno and Dominoes. Her sense of humor, as well as her loving and caring spirit will be missed by all who knew and loved her. 

Jo is preceded in death by her first husband, Louis (Lou) Fortener, her second husband, John Ritzert, 10 of her sisters, Glenna, Vera, Norma, Agnes, Ruth, Anna Mae, Mary Ellen, Grace, Betty, and Patti, her granddaughter Jodi, her grandson Zachary, and her stepson Mark Ritzert.

She is survived by her children Bill (Sue) Fortener, Rick Fortener, John (Wendy) Fortener, Rob (Jane) Fortener, her sister Rita Wilhelm, her step-children Mike (Edie) Ritzert, Linda (Mike) Mayhall, and Beth Ritzert.

A visitation will be held from 2-4pm, on Sunday, March 2, 2025 at Routsong Funeral Home, 2100 E. Stroop Rd. Kettering, OH 45429. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held the following day, Monday, March 3, 2025, 11:00am at Ascension Catholic Church, 2025 Woodman Dr, Kettering. A livestream of Jo’s Mass will be available via Ascension’s website- https://player2.streamspot.com/?playerId=025425fa . Burial at Calvary Cemetery.

The family would like to express our thanks for the wonderful help and care given by the nurses and staff at Brookdale of Kettering, and by Suncrest Hospice, West Chester, OH. In lieu of flowers, friends may make memorial contributions to Suncrest Hospice, 9050 Centre Point Drive, Suite 100, West Chester, Ohio 45069.