Phyllis Vawn (Caley) Ritter, 86, of Topeka, formerly of Junction City, passed away on Monday, May 23, 2016 at Brewster Place in Topeka. A funeral service will be 11 a.m. Thursday, May 26, 2016, at the Zion United Church of Christ with Rev. Nikki Woolsey officiating. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will follow the funeral at Highland Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to be given to the Zion United Church of Christ 1811 McFarland Road Junction City, KS 66441.
Phyllis was born January 14, 1930, in Junction City, KS the daughter of Merle and Bonita Olive (Bell) Caley.
She married Robert E. "Bob" Ritter January 25, 1952, in Junction City, KS. He passed away September 30, 2013, in Topeka, KS.
Her interests and career was her three children who were raised primarily in overseas locations while accompanying her husband in the Southern USA and overseas in Australia, North Borneo, Peninsular Malaysia, Egypt and returning to the USA in 1985.
She loved to cook, sew, garden and playing the lottery. She promoted literacy wherever she resided
She was a civic leader initiating the Women's Federated Allegro Club in Hattiesburg, MS and serving as president. Elected to the board of the American Association of Malaysia, she was also elected as president in 1983-84.
During her nine years of residency in Malaysia she originated the "Tuesday's Club" for expatriate women with problems and solutions in conjunction with residing overseas.
Returning to Junction City in 1985, she was a member (and president) of the Federated Home Literacy Club, Pilot Club, Historical Society, volunteer teacher of the Literacy Council, Ladies Reading Club and the Zion United Church of Christ. Phyllis was an active civic contributor in her many diverse locations.
Phyllis loved her family. Family was her life. She made a tremendous amount of wonderful friendships overseas.
Survivors include one son, Robert E. Ritter II, (Kathleen) New Orleans, LA; two daughters, Sue Ferguson (Rodney) Topeka, KS, Sally Bagheri (Hank) Placentia, CA; two sisters, Rowene Caley Moore of Pine Bluff, AR and Geneva Caley Riser of Coos Bay, OR; five grandchildren, Byron Ferguson, Marshall (Brandie) Ferguson, Beau (Christina) Ferguson; Amelia Bagheri, Rod Bagheri; step granddaughter, Erin Cotter and step great-granddaughter Ramona Gagliano; and great-granddaughter, Emma Ferguson.
She will be sadly missed by her family and friends.
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