Barbara A. (Creitz) Ritz

Barbara A. Ritz, 85, of Moore Township, peacefully passed away early Sunday morning, August 06, 2023, at Gracedale in Upper Nazareth Township.  She was the loving wife of Rev. Floyd R. Ritz, Sr.  Barbara and Floyd would have celebrated their 36th wedding anniversary on September 29.  Born in Aquashicola, Carbon County, she was one of eight children born to Warren and Maude (Silfies) Creitz.  A graduate of Palmerton High School, Barbara successfully owned and operated a sandwich shop, The Train Stop, in Bath for a few years.  Prior to that, she was employed at the former Western Electric in Allentown and worked in the garment industry for many years.  Known for having a “green thumb”, Barbara enjoyed planting and gardening, and she simply loved the outdoors and nature.  She was formerly a member of St. Stephen’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Bethlehem.

Survivors: In addition to her loving husband, Floyd, she is survived by a son, Jeff Swietzer and wife, Patti, of Allentown; two stepsons, Floyd R. Ritz, Jr. and wife, Tacey, of Mississippi, and Jonathan Ritz and wife, Stacey, of North Carolina; seven grandchildren, Kelly Vlasquez and husband, Jay, Corey Swietzer and wife, Alicia, Chyenne Ritz, Nathan Ritz, Elizabeth Bond, Brianna Ritz, and Christopher Ritz; four great-grandchildren, Darion Rivera, Brayden Vargas, Julian Vargas, and Skyla Vlasquez; a great-great-grandson, George Rivera; and many nieces and nephews. Barbara was predeceased by her four brothers and three sisters.

Services: Family and friends and invited to attend a viewing for Barbara on  Friday, August 11, 2023, from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. in the GEORGE G. BENSING FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2165 Community Drive, Route 946, in the Village of Moorestown – Bath, PA 18014.  Please join Barbara’s family for a memorial reception after the viewing at 4510 Virginia Drive, Bethlehem, PA 18018.

Contributions: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be offered to Friends of Gracedale (for life enrichment) 2 Gracedale Avenue, Nazareth, PA 18064.