Marilyn R. Ritz, 79, passed away May 30, 2026 at home surrounded by her daughters, family and friends after fighting a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. May it bring comfort to know that she is now at peace, free of pain, surrounded by our guardian angels and now she is held in everlasting love.

Born in Endicott, NY on February 20, 1947, Marilyn was the daughter of the late Quentin C. Kocher and Irene B. Blakeslee. She was the wife of William G. Ritz and companion of the late Jose Torres.

Marilyn served our country in the United States Army Reserve. Marilyn enjoyed playing Bingo at the Reliance Fire Company NO. 1 in West York Borough where she was also a long time member. She loved traveling and working at the York Fair where she enjoyed seeing familiar faces and reconnection with people she hadn't seen in a long time. Marilyn's greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren. She was especially proud of her grandson Sebastian M. Hess who proudly serves our country in the US Navy and has done so for thirteen and a half years. Marilyn will continue watching over him as he protects our country.

Marilyn leaves to cherish her memory, children, Tina M. Thomas, Bonnie A. Mohammed and Rita L. Hertel-Keller and son in law Greg Keller; nine grandchildren; fifteen great grandchildren; and half sisters, Frieda A. Kocher and Onnolee K. (Kocher) Carter. She was preceded in death by brother, Leonard Kocher.

A viewing will be held on Tuesday, June 9, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at Gladfelter Funeral Home, Inc., 822 E. Market St. York, PA. The service will begin at 12:00 p.m. Burial will immediately follow at Prospect Hill Cemetery. Gladfelter Funeral Home, Inc. is entrusted with the arrangements.