Marilyn K. Ritter, 96, of Harleysville, passed away peacefully surrounded by her dear family on Saturday, August 1, 2026. She was the beloved wife of the late Kenneth F. Ritter.

Born in Harleysville, Marilyn was the daughter of the late Lewis and Erma (Keller) Alderfer. She was a proud graduate of Souderton Area High School, Class of 1948.

Marilyn was an active member of Indian Valley Country Club, where she spent more than five decades playing cards, taking her grandchildren to the pool, treating them to endless snacks, and creating cherished memories while entertaining family and friends. She was also deeply involved in the Harleysville Women’s Club, where she organized the White Elephant Table at the annual Christmas Bazaar. For many years, she chaired the Harleysville Lion’s Club Chicken Barbecue and the beloved Turkey Supper held at Lower Salford Elementary School. In her younger years, Marilyn enjoyed bowling as a member of a team at Earl Bowl.

An avid card player throughout her life, Marilyn belonged to numerous card clubs. While she certainly loved the game itself, cards were simply the excuse to gather with family and friends. The love of cards that Marilyn and Ken shared has been passed down through generations, with even their youngest great-grandchildren now enjoying the tradition—a gift and memory that will forever be treasured by those who loved them.

Marilyn also found great happiness at the beach, especially in Ocean City. One of her favorite traditions was waking early to ride her bicycle along the boardwalk to bring home Brown’s famous donuts for her family. She also loved visiting Kessel’s Korner, a place that held special meaning because it was owned by her youngest sister and nephew. She especially enjoyed helping peel peaches for their famous Peach Sundaes, finding joy in both the work and the time spent together.

Another place close to Marilyn’s heart was the family’s lakefront cabin on Lake Wallenpaupack. There, she enjoyed countless hours playing cards, working on puzzles, relaxing on the porch, and watching the boats drift by. The cabin was a place where family gathered, laughter was abundant, and lifelong memories were made.

Marilyn’s love for the Philadelphia Phillies was a passion passed down from her father. She never missed an opportunity to cheer them on and was always eager to share her thoughts on how she would manage the team. Her spirited commentary and unwavering loyalty to the Phillies brought smiles to those who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her children, Deborah K. Buzdygon and her husband, Barry, of Collegeville, Cynthia Ann Grace and her husband, Ronald, of Perkasie, and Kenneth R. Ritter and his wife, Wanda, of Telford; six grandchildren, Megan Case and her husband, Christopher, Molly Cornes, Jared Grace and his wife, Aimee, Jenna Meiluta, Matthew Ritter and his wife, Rae, and Calli Buchanan and her husband, Christopher; and fourteen great-grandchildren, Ethan, Eliott, Hannah, Logan, Norah, Heidi, Bella, Lochlan, Alina, Jocelyn, Ashton, Isla, Lucy, and Ivy, with a fifteenth great-grandchild expected in September. She is also survived by her sister, Lorraine Shoemaker and her husband, Richard, and her brother-in-law, John Young.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Geraldine Keller, Elizabeth Nyce, and Kathleen Young.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, August 7, 2026, at the Williams-Bergey-Koffel Funeral Home, Inc., 667 Harleysville Pike, Telford, PA 18969. Family and friends are invited to greet the family from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be private in Zion Memorial Gardens, Telford.