Audrey Kay Ritt

Audrey Kay Ritt passed from this life on May 28^th, 2025 after a short stay in the hospital.  Audrey was born in Barryton, Michigan on December 3^rd, 1940 to Cecil and Lillian (Hart) Darnell.  She grew up poor but her family shared a rich love of music.  They had a tradition of gathering around the piano to sing gospel hymns.  She and her siblings carried that tradition into adulthood singing as a quartet for various events.

She married Elvin “Al” Ritt and the two moved to Dexter, Michigan where they would raise their family and spend the remainder of their lives.  Audrey (along with Al) attended summer school at Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant Michigan.  And then later Audrey took classes at Washtenaw Community College.

Audrey led a busy and active life as a devoted wife and mother.  She was Al’s biggest fan attending Dreadnaught Football games and Wrestling Tournaments to support him and the teams he coached.  Al and Audrey welcomed and entertained many teachers, coaches, players and other students into their home throughout the years.

Audrey worked at the Dexter Post Office for 30 years.  She received a special achievement award for her work at the post office, and for a time she served as a Superintendent of Postal Operations.  After retiring from the Post Office she opened up 4 UPS Stores.  After opening up her 2^nd store she was featured in Success Magazine for her business accomplishments.

Audrey was a member of the Dexter Methodist community for over 65 years.  She sang in the Church Choir, served as financial secretary, was a member of the administrative board and taught church school.  She was also a member of the memorial committee.  Audrey and Al were part of the Merry Methodist group.  And for the past several years Audrey was a member of the Woman of the Word (WOW) Bible study group.   Her faith and many of her friendships were rooted in the church.

Audrey liked to travel and took trips to Mexico, Ireland, Finland, England and Canada.    She loved music and enjoyed performing.  She was a charter member of the Dexter Community Players and was a part of many performances.  She was an avid bike rider; she rode on several century rides, and with her friends on weekend trips up north. She was a golfer and a reader.  She had reputation for winning things.  In 1985 she won a log home in a Log Cabin Syrup drawing.  And she was known for winning Bingo prizes at the Dexter Senior Center.

Most of all, Audrey wanted to be remembered as someone who loved her family.  She encouraged her children and their spouses (who she treated like her children) and rejoiced with them in their success and accomplishments.  She loved being included in the lives of her grandchildren; and she always had time and a treat for her great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her husband Al, her parents, Cecil and Lillian Darnell, her brothers Don and Cecil Darnell, and her sister-in law Sally Darnell.  She is survived by her four children, Alan (Diana) Ritt, Tracy (Doug) Marrin, Mike (Stena) Ritt and Patrick Ritt.  Her grandchildren Larry (Rachel) Marrin, Candice (Tyler) Clark. Zhenya Ritt and Kennedi Ritt. She is also survived by her 9 great grandchildren, Brendan, Drake, Vaylia, Silas, Joshua, Titus, Avalyn, Magnus and Sage.  And also, her beloved sister Carol (Don) Ruppert, her sister-in-law Judy Darnell and her brother-in-law Rob (Kim) Ritt as well as many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at the Huron River Methodist Church in Dexter on Sunday June 8^th at 12:30 followed by a service at 2:00.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Huron River Methodist Church or the Dexter Senior Center.