HARRIET E. RITTER

It is with heavy hearts that we bid farewell to Harriet E. Ritter, age 91, who departed from us on March 30, 2025. Harriet was born July 13,1933, to Andrew and Theresa (Halbauer) Nelson. After attending country schools in Marshall County and Britton High School, Harriet went on to attend Northern State College in Aberdeen, SD where she obtained her teaching certificate. She then began teaching at country schools in Marshall County and eventually taught at Britton Elementary School. Her presence will be missed dearly, but her loving spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her.

Harriet is lovingly remembered by her special companion Bill Wehling of Enid, OK, her children Sherri Castro of MN, Arlo (Dana) Tank of Britton, SD, Gina Ellingson of Alexandria, MN, Renald (Allison) Tank of Britton, SD and; sister Caroline (Delbert) Lowe of Aberdeen, SD; grandchildren Kacie Irby of Tempe, AZ, Bria Castro (Alejandro) of Glendale, AZ, Lexy (Chris) Byzewski of Mapleton, ND, Cole (Lydia) Tank of Sun Prairie, WI, Dane (Tasha) Ellingson of Moorhead, MN, Chase (Sara) Ellingson of Battle Lake, MN and Annika and Tiana Tank of Britton, SD. She was anxiously awaiting the birth of her first greatgrandchild in May (Chris and Lexy).

Harriet was preceded in death by her parents, Andrew and Theresa Nelson, brothers Norman (Nancy) Nelson and Elwood (Mary) Nelson of Britton, SD, Clarence (Judy) Nelson of Roslyn, SD and husband, Herb Ritter of Enid, OK. Harriet derived great pleasure from playing Bingo. The shared camaraderie of the game brought her joy. Additionally, Harriet found great fulfillment in attending church, playing the piano and organ, as well as playing her accordion. Harriet was also a tireless advocate for animals, particularly cats, and devoted much of her time to their care. Her compassion for these animals was an extension of her unwavering capacity for love. A celebration of life at Rose Hill Church is being planned on Saturday, May 3rd from 24 pm.

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Poll: REGIONS FOR AMBULANCE SERVICE? A legislative task force is considering a plan to organize South Dakota’s ambulance services into eight to 14 regions, potentially with state oversight and funding to help keep emergency medical services sustainable. The proposal comes as many ambulance services face financial challenges, low reimbursement rates and an aging, often volunteer workforce. Lawmakers say the goal is to ensure an ambulance can respond when someone calls 911, but establishing the regions and determining how they would be funded could take years. Do you support creating regional ambulance service systems with state oversight and potential state funding?

Yes, regional systems could help ensure reliable ambulance service.

No, ambulance services should remain organized locally.

Unsure. I would need more information about how it would work.

10/27/2026 – 11/27/2100