Obituary of Stephanie V. Ritter

Stephanie Ferencik Ritter of Endicott, NY, 94, passed away peacefully and went to be with her Lord on April 19th, 2022. She was predeceased by her parents, Stanley and Victoria Cackowski; her husbands, Paul Ferencik in 1982 and Robert Ritter in 2012; five brothers: John (Edith) Cackowski, Frank (Alice) Cackowski, Rudy (Mary) Cackowski, Edward (Margaret) Cackowski, and Stanley (Mary) Cackowski; and three sisters: Stella (Joseph) Martinak, Julia (Frank) Isban, and Josephine (Bernie) Okon. She was also predeceased by her daughter-in-law, Gail Ferencik, and many other dear relatives and friends, including Irene Tobin. Stephie is survived by her 3 children, Paul Ferencik Jr., Carol (Edward) Petras, and Cheryl (Richard) Young, as well as 2 stepchildren, Cathy Haskell and Bobby Ritter. Additionally, she leaves behind her grandchildren Danielle Petras, Tim (Christine) Petras, Erin (Ben Smillie) Ferencik, and step-granddaughter Sarah (Mike) Mason. She was blessed in recent years with great-grandchildren Jackson and Natalie Petras, Sybil Smillie, and triplet step-great-granddaughters Caitlin, Morgan, and Shannon Mason. Stephie is also survived by her caring brother-in-law, Edward Ferencik, and many beloved nieces and nephews. A devout Catholic her entire life, Stephie embodied her faith in her daily practices and was known for her personal strength, devotion to her family, and kindness to all. A good-natured, adventurous, and charitable spirit, she lived life to the fullest and had a wonderful sense of humor and a warm, unforgettable laugh. She was a volunteer at the Ideal Hospital Gift shop in Endicott for many years and met numerous good friends there. She was eager to lend a hand wherever she could. Stephie enjoyed listening to the radio, recalling the popular music of her youth, keeping up on current events, and, as an avid New York Yankees fan, religiously following her team from preseason to post each year. She delighted in calling friends and family on their birthdays to play the "birthday bag," a music box which rang out the happy birthday song. No birthday was complete without her call! Stephie also celebrated her Polish heritage and looked forward to the traditional Christmas Eve dinner gathering at her home each year with her family. It was always a very special night and she loved to entertain her grandchildren and great-grandchildren with her impressive collection of animated toys. Having spent all her years in Endicott, she was a huge fan of Phil's Chicken House Restaurant and had many dinners there with her family and friends. Ever a sweet tooth, she especially appreciated Phil's apple pie and chocolate chip cookies, always passing some along to share with others. Stephie's children and grandchildren wish to thank the staff at Susquehanna Nursing home for the kind and loving care that was shown to her throughout her stay. The family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 on Saturday, April 23rd followed by a funeral service at 10:30 a.m., at St. Ambrose Church, 203 Washington Avenue, Endicott. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Johnson City. Those wishing to make memorial contributions may consider Mercy House, 212 North McKinley Ave, Endicott, NY, or a charity of their choice to support the Ukrainian cause.