Meridith was born on November 9, 1948, and passed away on March 30, 2011, at Grand Forks. She was predeceased by her father, The Honorable Ron Dow and by her little sister, Peggy.
Her funeral was held in her beautiful back yard. God sent one of his finest, Reverend Simon Shenstone, who gave the eulogy to describe the accomplishments of her life on this earth. The words he spoke were as follows: Meridith Anne Ritco, at age 14, was an accomplished pianist who played Bach and Beethoven, and also was a composer. An accomplished artist, she used pencil, charcoal, oils, pastels and many other mediums to create her own masterpieces. Her pottery, sculptures, stained glass, beadwork on leather, weaving, poetry and pine needle baskets were also masterpieces.
She enjoyed camping, gardening, sailing and fishing. As a true hunter, she shot a three point buck at 100 yards right between the eyes with her single shot 22 caliber rifle.
Her contributions to society were as follows:
She was a 2nd Lieutenant in the Canadian Armed Forces Reserves, a commanding officer of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets Corp# 97 Phoenix, A highlight was the annual inspection of Corp #97 Phoenix, which was personally done by Commander ‘Brent”, the commanding officer of all the Canadian Armed Forces. She was an Honorary Elder of the Métis Association, and a scrutineer for Elections Canada. The list is endless as she accomplished everything she tried.
As these words were being spoken, above us all circled a beautiful eagle. Jesse Ritco her son, read a poem, Joan Holmes said only word of greatness, George Klamac read the “Poem of the Dash”, Rev. Simon Shenstone gave her a final blessing. The Royal Canadian Legions’ finest bugler bugled “The Last Post” and two of the Legions finest bagpipers played “Amazing Grace”. Then they said, “Meridith Ritco you are dismissed”. The bagpipers then played the “March to Heaven” to compliment her Scottish heritage.
We are the ones who are left behind: husband, Ron; daughter, Terri Donovan and her family; sons: Richard Dallibar, Ron Dallibar and his family, Jesse Ritco and his family, and James Ritco and his family; six grandchildren who stood so proudly with us; her mother, Jean Dow; sisters, Sandy and Susan and their families; her brothers, Don and James and their families; and her little sister, Sabrina.
Meridith Anne Ritco is resting in peace at her home. Many thanks to the capable people of Boundary Hospital, and a very special thank you to the Grand Forks Funeral Home who lit candles and said a special prayer for her. Thank you to all who contributed.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the University of Alberta, 10230 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, AB, T5J-4P6, for research in honour of Meridith Ritco. They just might have found the cure for cancer.
Rest in peace, Meridith Anne Ritco, Amen.