Janet “Ritzy” Ritzinger, age 72, of Higginsville, died Friday, October 8, 2021, at her home.
Memorial Services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, October 16, at Kaiser ~Wiegers Funeral Home in Higginsville, where visitation will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, October 14.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.kaiserwiegersfuneralhome.com.
Janet was born February 14, 1949, in Carrollton, Missouri, to Everett Leroy and Adalene Ruth (Allmon) Smith. They preceded in death.
Janet is survived by Bob Ritzinger of the home. Other survivors include one son Mark Taylor of Higginsville and grandsons Levi Taylor of Kansas City and Kyle Taylor of Higginsville; one sister Jackie Leakey and her husband David of Richmond. She is also survived by her nephews and their families: David and Kim Leakey and children Stephanie (Jesse) Hughes and Shane Leakey all of Richmond and Todd and Kathy Leakey and their son Cole (Abby) Leakey all of Hardin.
Janet grew up in Carrollton and graduated from Carrollton High School. Higginsville was home to Ritzy most of her life. She was a proud graduate of Kansas University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. Janet later earned a Master of Arts Degree from the University of Central Missouri.
Janet started her teaching career in the Kansas City School District and quickly transitioned to teaching at Hardin, Missouri. Ritzy spent the rest of her teaching career in the Lafayette County C-1 School District teaching art at every grade level. She retired after teaching for 26 years, yet remained very involved in multiple school activities. After leaving her fulltime teaching career, Janet worked as a mapper for Lafayette County Courthouse from 2001 until 2019. She also worked at Willis and Jeanne’s Restaurant, about 20 years, in their banquet and catering business.
Janet enjoyed playing golf, and was an avid Royals and Jayhawkfan. Some beloved Nana activities included golf outings, never missing a grandchild’s sporting or school event, and presenting her grandchildren with their high school diplomas.
She used her time and talent in many ways during and after her teaching career, as a golf coach; using her artistic skills for sports memorabilia, parade banners, school certificates; at games as a score keeper, ticket attendant, and supporter of all Husker athletics; and while serving as a Lafayette County School Board officer and member.
Her passion and commitment were recognized and honored when she received the Lifetime Teaching Achievement Award.
She was a member of the Presbyterian Church of Corder, MO and served as a pianist/organist at several local churches for services, programs and funerals. She was also active in the Lafayette County Democratic Party/Committee
Ritzy was devoted to her family, school and community – always dependable and tireless in giving back to each of them.