Jill N. Ritz, 80, of rural Arcadia, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, November 16, 2024.

Jill Naville was born November 12, 1944, in Ross, California to Darwin Boone "DB" and Mary Margaret (Bettinger) Dyer. Her father passed away due to a car accident and her mother married Walter Jay Steven, whom she knew as Dad.

Jill attended elementary school at Kearney Public School, followed by Shelton Middle School and High School and graduated from Brownell Talbot High School. She pursued a degree in elementary education at Kearney State College and obtained a master's degree to become a Reading Specialist.

During college is when Jill met the man of her dreams, Lynn E. Ritz. The couple was united in marriage on August 7, 1966, at Shelton, Nebraska. To this union four daughters were born, Stephanie, Stacie, Michelle and Mandy. The family made their home west of Arcadia.

Jill was a reading specialist at Ord Public Schools before having her family, later in life she returned to substitute teaching.

As a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and 48-year cancer survivor, Jill filled many other roles as a volunteer, party planner, hostess and 4-H sewing leader. She was an avid marble collector, and enjoyed tap dancing, baton twirling, sudoku, dressing up in costume and choreographing prom skits.

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 58 years, Lynn; four daughters and sons-in-law, Stephanie and Terry Holcomb, Stacie and Jeff McMeen, Michelle and Tracy Ochsner and Mandy and Bobby Hurlburt; eleven grandchildren, Trenton, Trevor and Treyton Holcomb, Mason and Morgan McMeen, Jarrett, Jenna and Jaden Ochsner and Jillian, Carter and Cody Hurlburt; one great-granddaughter, Tessa Holcomb; and one brother, Jack Dyer.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her stepfather, parents-in-law, Harry and Lilly Ritz; and infant twins.

A Celebration of Life was held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at the Arcadia Methodist Church. Rolen Sell officiated. She was laid to rest at Lee Park Cemetery west of Arcadia.

Memorial suggestions are to the Arcadia Fire & Rescue Department, Arcadia Public School, or the 4-H Council.

Jill's Story

It pains me to admit it, but apparently, I have passed away. Everyone told me it would happen one day, but that's simply not something I wanted to hear, much less experience.

Once again, I didn't get to do all the things I wanted to do! Story of my life. Did I mention that somewhere all the things I ever wanted to do are written down on one of my many legal note pads?

I'd like to tell you a story, I'm going to call it "The Story of My Life".

On November 12, 1944, my parents and older brother celebrated my birth. I was introduced to the world as "Jill Naville Dyer", the daughter of Darwin Boone Dyer and Mary Margaret from San Rafael, California. My biological father, "DB", was tragically killed in an automobile accident when I was a young child. My mother remarried after the accident to Walter Jay Steven, who I always referred to as Dad.

I attended elementary school in Kearney, then spent my middle and high school years at Shelton. I must have really liked school, or something, and I eventually graduated from Brownell Talbot High School. My teachers planted the seed and instilled the love of learning, leading me to become a professional scholar. I pursued a degree in elementary education at Kearney State College and then obtained my master's degree as a reading specialist. However, I really think my calling was in math because later on in life I became a Sudoku expert. My closest friends will remember my ability to add up a high Scrabble score, and according to me, I always won.

While attending Kearney State College, some friends introduced me to a blonde-haired, blue-eyed football player. A few dates later and I convinced #35, offensive guard, that I was a "catch". That football player, Lynn Eugene Ritz became my loving husband of 58 years and let me tell you it was all bliss.

I married the man of my dreams on August 7, 1966, and from that day on, I was proud to be Mrs. Jill Ritz, Grand Diva of everything domestic at Ritz Farms. We were blessed with four daughters, Stephanie, Stacie, Michelle, and Mandy.

Nine years, after we were married, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was uncommon to get that disease so young. I was only 29 years old. I had a recurrence five years later and thanks to many great friends and family I survived. I am a firm believer that with faith, hope and love you can survive just about anything. I am reminded of a verse in Psalms, "Let your hands be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts".

Getting another chance and seeing the sun come up another day made me feel like dancing or at least try to be "Footloose". Did I mention it was also my favorite movie?

Memories…where do I begin?  Just when I thought I couldn't love anything more I gained the title of Grammy. Blessed beyond measure with eleven grandchildren, Trenton, Trevor, and Treyton Holcomb, Mason and Morgan McMeen, Jarrett, Jenna, and Jaden Ochsner, and Jillian, Carter, and Cody Hurlburt, and one great-grandchild, Tessa Lynn Holcomb.

Speaking of titles…I've held a few in my day. I've been a devoted daughter, baton twirler, tap dancer, a loving wife, teacher, a comforting mother, hostess for gents' coffee, parade float maker, an avid marble collector, 48-year cancer survivor, 4-H sewing leader, choreographer of prom skits, Sudoku whiz, scrabble queen, Mrs. Clause, Easter Bunny helper, party planner extraordinaire, and loyal friend. If you don't believe it, just ask me. Oh, wait, I'm afraid it's too late for questions, sorry.

Those left to cherish my memory are my husband of 58 years, Lynn; four daughters and sons-in-law, Stephanie and Terry Holcomb, Stacie and Jeff McMeen, Michelle and Tracy Ochsner and Mandy and Bobby Hurlburt; eleven grandchildren, Trenton (Kaitlyn), Trevor (Aubrey) and Treyton Holcomb, Mason and Morgan (Lindsay) McMeen, Jarrett, Jenna and Jaden Ochsner and Jillian, Carter and Cody Hurlburt; one great-granddaughter, Tessa Holcomb (who I know will do a fantastic job filling my many important titles); and one brother, Jack Dyer.

Those who preceded me in death are my parents and stepfather; parents-in-law, Harry and Lilly Ritz; and infant twins.

So, I was born, lived, laughed, loved, blinked and now it's over. No buildings named after me; no monuments erected in my honor.  But I did have the chance to know and love each and every one of you. Cake, yes cake…did anyone bake me a cake? Just kidding.

I have got to go now, My other phone is ringing...I'll leave you now, but please don't cry because I'm gone, instead be happy that I was here (or maybe you can cry just a little bit after all)… I love you all.