Maria Ritter was born in Canton, South Dakota on February 5,1966 to Milan and Ann Varholdt. Maria, 59, of Sterling, Colorado, passed away at her home on November 1, 2025. She was a mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, and friend, and her presence will be missed.

In recent years, Maria had a passion for creating jewelry and aspired to start a jewelry business. She loved dogs and cats and had many cherished pets throughout her life.

Maria was preceded in death by her father, Milan. She is survived by her mother, Ann, her beloved son, Tucker, her granddaughter, Oaklynn, her siblings, Matt and Melanie, and several nephews.

"Death is not extinguishing the light; it is only putting out the lamp because the dawn has come" - Rabindranath Tagore