Jewell Yvonne Ritter

Family and Friends are sad to report that Jewell “Yvonne” Ritter, 85, died Saturday, November 2, 2019 from complications of Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS), after an extended illness. Yvonne passed peacefully and in the presence of loved ones at her home in Broken Arrow Oklahoma.

A native of East Texas, Yvonne was born in the small town of Center, Texas in Shelby County on February 6, 1934, to Weldon and Lula Faye Smith. She moved to Beaumont in 1952 where she attended night classes at Lamar University and met her husband and love of 53 years, David Kenneth “Ken” Ritter. The two were married on December 18, 1954. Yvonne served as the de-facto First Lady of Beaumont while Ken Ritter served as Mayor of Beaumont from 1970-1978.

The acquisition and passage of knowledge was an integral part of who Yvonne was and what she came to mean to Southeast Texas. She received her Bachelor of Administration degree from Lamar University in 1967 and a Master’s in Administration in 1973. Between 1967 and 1973, Yvonne was a teacher for both Beaumont Independent School District and Lamar University, Beaumont. 

In 1973, she began a career in real estate that would span over 40 years. Along the way, Yvonne was recognized as a Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager, Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer Representative and Graduate of the Texas Realtors Institute. In 1986, she was named Realtor of the Year by her Peers. From individual realtor to owner of American Real Estate, Yvonne served her community and real estate industry at the local, state, and national level. She was a past President of the Beaumont Board of Realtors, past President of the Alumni Association of Lamar University, Board Member of the Texas Association of Realtors, Board Member of Beaumont Business and Education 2000, Co-Chair of Quality Education Beaumont and served on the Education Committee for the National Association of Realtors.

Yvonne believed that “a life unexamined was not worth living” and her passion became helping young realtors to reach their full potential. As businesswoman and mentor, she empowered hundreds of women along the way.  

            The World needs Strong Women. Women who will 

            lift and build others, who will love and be loved. 

           Women who live bravely, both tender and fierce.                           

            Women of indomitable will. Amy Tunney

The World has lost one of those women and we are poorer for it. Yvonne both defied and defined the time she lived in. She loved life with all its imperfections and messiness, never took more than she gave and made each life touched better by her presence. Yvonne was and will always be loved deeply and she will be missed in ways both great and small by her family and friends.  

Yvonne was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings, and beloved husband, Ken Ritter.  

She is survived by her children- son, Mark Ritter and daughter, Cynthia Ritter, and numerous other relatives and friends. 

This has been a long and difficult journey made easier by some very special people. Caregivers are the Unsung Heroes of chronic illness. These dedicated compassionate people are there for the patient and the family. We have come to regard them as treasured family members and have been blessed by their presence in our home – Elena Echeverria, Laura Sanchez & Kimberly Lewis all from Broken Arrow Oklahoma. We are also grateful to Paul Rierson, Physical Therapist of Mays Homecare and Good Shepherd Hospice and staff, all of Broken Arrow Oklahoma. Both provided care and comfort the family will always remember with deep gratitude.

Finally, Yvonne’s American Real Estate family has provided years of care, concern, innumerable words and acts of kindness. We’re blessed to be a part of such a special family of co-workers. 

Memorial contributions may be made on her behalf to the benefit of the Yvonne Ritter Scholarship Fund, Lamar University Foundation, P.O. Box 11500, Beaumont, Texas 77710. 

A celebration of Yvonne’s life will be held from 1 :00 p.m. until 4 :00 p.m., Sunday, November 24, 2019, at 434 Fannin, Beaumont.