LORETTA LEE RITTLINGER

SOUTHWEST HARBOR – Loretta Lee Rittlinger, 70, passed away Jan. 15, 2006, in Southwest Harbor, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was born, April 15, 1935, the daughter of Harry H. and Bernice (Brewer) Beers of West Tremont. She graduated from Pemetic High School, was involved in many activities and very proud to be a member of the National Honor Society. Loretta had many jobs in Southwest Harbor, but she enjoyed working at Artful Designs, the most, for the past five years. She met and made friends with many wonderful people during her time there. Her smile and grace touched all those who came through the doors. The returns of the birds each spring were also blessed by Loretta’s thoughtfulness, as she provided a hearty welcome for them every year. Lovingness was always a part of Loretta’s life, in her home, in family and in her shining eyes. She was a loving mother to sons, Michael and Tim; and to daughters, Karen, Bernice and Diane. Loretta will be remembered in the hearts of special friends, Barbara Streubell, Jeannine Gilpin, Agnes Sawyer, Gail, Trish and the gang at Westside Florist. Loretta is survived by her loving husband of 32 years, Edward H. Rittlinger of Oneonta, N.Y.; two sons, Michael Ryskamp and wife, Tammy, of Schoolcraft, Mich., and Tim Fallon and wife, Lori, of Seal Cove; two daughters, Bernice Fallon of Northeast Harbor and Diane Fennelly and husband, Michael, of Lamoine; a brother, Harry H. Beers Sr., of Southwest Harbor; and a sister, Hazel Kurschner of Biddeford. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Michelle, Ryan, Ebony, Isaiah, Jacob, Angelique, Corey, Brittany and Brooke. Loretta was predeceased by her parents, her sister, Lernice Lawson of Ellsworth; and her daughter, Karen Fallon Kramp of Southwest Harbor. Friends are invited to call 4-6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17, at Jordan-Fernald, 1139 Main St., Mount Desert, where funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Wednesday, with the Rev. Wayne Buchanan, officiating. Friends who wish may make contributions in Loretta’s memory to Hospice of Hancock County, 14 McKenzie Ave., Ellsworth, ME 04605.