Linda M. Ritola

Linda Marita (Savage) Ritola, 73, of Traverse City, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2021, at her home. She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Leonard Paul Ritola, her six children: DiAnna Fitztola (Michele), Nancee Pond (Casey), Andrew Ritola (Christy), Mary McKillip (Chris), Joe Ritola, and Brenden Ritola (Haley); and her grandchildren: Mira and Ila Ritola-Schow; Reid, Ruby and Ryder Pond; Tyler, Coleton, Syrus and Elijah Ritola; Grace, Zavier, Magdalene and Anders McKillip; Margaret, Veronica and Juliette Ritola. Born November 30, 1947, to the late Margaret (Winowiecki) and Allen “Bud” Savage, Linda graduated from St. Francis High School in 1965, where she met Leonard. They married on October 17, 1970. They lived in Long Lake Township in the home they built together for the past 50 years. Her life’s dream was to live in happiness and peace with her husband, raising children and loving those she encountered. Linda was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, the leader of the rosary group at The Pavilions, she cooked and organized funeral luncheons, was a eucharistic minister, and an Engaged Encounter mentor along with her husband, and a Faith Formation teacher. and was devoted to her prayer life. She enjoyed gardening, baking, playing with her grandchildren, and creating a home to welcome family and friends. She maintained life-long friendships with cousins, high-school classmates, and others through letters, cards, and phone calls. She kept extensive lists of birthdays, anniversaries, and other life events for those she cared for. Friends are welcome to visit with Linda’s family on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth St., Traverse City, MI 49684. Her family will pray the Rosary at 6:40 p.m. Wednesday evening. For those unable to attend, the Rosary can be viewed at www.rjfh.tv. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 a.m. with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 6, 2021 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 308 N. Cedar St., Traverse City, MI 49684. Rev. Anthony Citro will officiate. Rite of Committal will follow in Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial donation to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Father Fred Foundation or the Grand Traverse Pavilions. Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Linda’s family at her tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com. The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Linda M. Ritola

November 30, 1947 - May 1, 2021