Obituary: Mary Jannett Ritten

Mary Jannett Ritten, age 88, peacefully passed away on her birthday, Dec. 13, 2023, at The Mike Conley House in Clermont, Florida. She was born in Reddick, Florida to the late Robert and Sabra (Cannon) Vaughn.

She was affectionately known by Jannett to all who knew and loved her. Jannett moved to the West Orange area in 1960 and was the co-owner of Gabriel’s Sub Shop and Ritten’s Wrecker Service. She also was a Corrections Officer for 12 years at Lake County Corrections Institute and came highly qualified after raising seven children.

Jannett was a member of the Lion’s Club Auxiliary and the Fireflies Volunteer Fire Department, both in Ocoee, and a member of the Daughters of Mary at Resurrection Catholic Church.

She was an active member of the West Orange High School Athletic Association while her children attended.

She was an avid reader and loved putting together jigsaw puzzles, working on crossword puzzles and Sudoku, and taught her children, maybe too well, how to play Scrabble. Just ask Joan. She also cherished her weekly ladies card group.

Jannett is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Sabra Vaughn, and sister, Wilma Spann.

Survivors include her seven children and spouses, Joan (Steve Crowe) Ritten, Craig (Yong) Ritten, Lisa (Artie) Stallard, David (Ellen) Ritten, Michael (Angie) Ritten, Jimmy (Kathleen) Ritten and Paul (Shelley) Ritten; sister, Roberta Garris; 12 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Mike Conley House, 2100 Oakley Seaver Drive, Clermont, FL 34711, who provided her exceptional care in her last days.

Family will receive friends at 9 a.m., Monday, Dec. 18, 2023, at Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 5740 S. Pine Avenue, Ocala, FL 34480, with a service to follow at 10 a.m. She will be laid to rest with her parents and grandparents at Millwood Cemetery in Reddick, Florida, following services. A Catholic Mass will be conducted at a later date.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at ForestLawnOcala.com for the Ritten family.