Barbara Ann Ritzert

Barbara Ann (Kempf) Ritzert, 76, of Evansville, Indiana passed away Saturday, February 18, 2023 surrounded by her family. Barbara was born in Evansville, Indiana on November 11, 1946 to William J. Kempf, Sr. and Leoda M. (Koch) Kempf. She attended St. Joe Elementary (County), Mater Dei High School (Class of 1964), and Lockyear Business College. On May 6, 1967, she married the love of her life, Roy J. Ritzert, of Mt. Vernon, Indiana. Barbara worked at Mead Johnson in the accounts department until 1970. In 1973, she co-founded and co-managed Ritzert Plumbing Company, Inc., a plumbing and mechanical construction business, and later in 1993, Ritzert Company, Inc., a general construction business, alongside her husband, Roy J., where she worked as the Chief Financial Officer for 50 years until the time of her death. She was a member of American Business Women’s Association. Barbara was incredibly hard working and rarely ever missed a day of work, working full-time and raising her six children. Her children will remember her as a loving mother, chief educator, doctor-mom, number-one supporter, phenomenal cook and best friend. She enjoyed painting, clay sculpting, sewing, collecting dolls, Purdue sports, traveling the country by RV and trips to the Caribbean, Rome, Germany, Alaska and Hawaii. She was a breast cancer survivor. A devout Catholic, she was a member of Holy Redeemer Parish, prayed regularly to St. Anthony and St. Mary, and was a loyal financial supporter of various Catholic charities. Barbara is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, Roy J. Ritzert; son, Roy K. Ritzert (Amy) of Evansville; son, Dan Ritzert (Denise) of Fort Wayne, IN; son, Chad Ritzert of Evansville; son, Tim Ritzert (Amanda L.) of Evansville; son, Nick Ritzert (Amanda K.) of Evansville; daughter, Beth de la Pena Ritzert (Rene) of Nashville, TN; sister, Patricia (Kempf) Tenbarge of Evansville; numerous nieces and nephews. She will be remembered as a nurturing and loving grandmother of ten (10) surviving grandchildren: Alexandra, Emily, Madeline, Luke, Sydney, Elizabeth, Benjamin, Caroline, Annette and Gloria. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents William J. Kempf Sr. and Leoda M. (Koch) Kempf; brother, Tom Kempf Sr.(Geraldine/living); brother, William Kempf Jr. (Janice); brother, James Kempf Sr. (June/living); brother, Ronald Kempf Sr. (Linda/living); grandson, Jack Ritzert; granddaughter Noelle Guadalupe de la Pena Ritzert. There will be a Mass of Christian Burial held at 11:30 AM on Friday, February 24, 2023 at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, Rev. Jason Gries officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery (City). Friends may visit with the family from 4:00 until 8:00 PM on Thursday at Pierre Funeral Home, 2601 W. Franklin Street, where there will be a prayer service conducted by the church at 5:00 PM. Friends may also visit with the family from 11:00 AM until service time on Friday at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 918 W. Mill Road, Evansville, IN 47710. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Holy Redeemer Parish for mass intentions or your favorite Catholic charity. Roy J. will remember Barbara Ann as his best friend, business partner and love of his life.

Barbara Ann Ritzert

November 11, 1946 - February 18, 2023