Mary Ann Ritt, age 82, of Asbury, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at home surrounded by her loving family.  To celebrate Mary Ann’s life, family and friends may visit from 9:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m., on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at the Church of the Resurrection, 4300 Asbury Road.  Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Thursday at the Church of the Resurrection, with Rev. Phillip G. Gibbs officiating.  Private family burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery.  Behr Funeral Home is assisting Mary Ann’s family.

Mary Ann was born on March 25, 1943, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the daughter of LaVerne “Pete” and Marie (VanDuelman) Tarkett.

She attended the Immaculate Conception Academy and graduated from Wahlert High School.  Mary Ann married the love of her life, Robert A. Ritt, on April 4, 1964, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Dubuque.  Sadly, Robert would proceed her in death on October 17, 2021.  Mary Ann was an extremely devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend.  She committed 20 years of her working career to Luther Manor as their Office Manager, until her well-earned retirement.  Her faith was an integral part of her life.  Mary Ann was a long-time member of the Church of the Resurrection and had a close relationship with the New Melleray Monastery.  She grew up on the Mississippi River, and after her retirement, she and Bob kept a trailer and boat at Buenie.  She looked forward to spending time with her family and friends, and food was her love language.  She was always busy with canning, baking and whipping up something delicious in the kitchen.  Mary Ann made sure that every holiday included a big meal made with an extra dash of love.  She had a kind heart and rescued an adorable little dog, Annie, who became her constant companion.  Everyone was always welcome in Mary Ann’s home.  She developed many lasting friendships throughout the years.  The world was truly a better place because Mary Ann was here, and we will miss her tremendously.

Those left to cherish Mary Ann’s memory include

4 children,
Dr. Ann Pelelo, Dubuque, IA,
Michele (John Rademacher) Ritt, Madison, WI,
Bob “Bobby” (Michelle Grace) Ritt, Dubuque, IA
and Jim “Jimmer” (Crissy) Ritt, Austin, TX;

her grandchildren,
Thomas, Josh, Priya, Josef, Lucy, Lila, Addison, Annabelle and Alex;

a great-grandson,
Memphis;

her brother,
Thomas (Kit) Tarkett, Dubuque, IA;

and her cousins, nieces and nephews.

Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Robert A. Ritt; and a son-in-law, Robert Pelelo.

Mary Ann’s family would like to thank Dr. Tauseef Kahn, Dr. Elise McPherson, Hospice of Dubuque and No Place Like Home for the outstanding care they provided for Mary Ann.

Memorials in Mary Ann’s memory may be sent to Hospice of Dubuque, the ALS Association of Iowa, 601 Highway 6 West, Iowa City, Iowa 52246 or to the Love Pet Project, 11818 Sycamore Street, Zionsville, IN 46077.  Cards may also be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Attn. Mary Ann Ritt Family.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.behrfuneralhome.com