Robert Wesley "Bob" Ritts

Robert Wesley “Bob” Ritts, 75, of Lamartine passed away peacefully in the company of his loving family Tuesday morning October 14, 2025 at UPMC Northwest in Seneca. 

Robert Wesley was born in Lamartine on March 29, 1950.  He was the son of the late Wanda R. and Henry VanSteenberg.  Robert was a lifelong resident of Lamartine.  Bob was a 1968 graduate of Keystone High School in Knox.  He was an avid outdoorsmen who loved hunting and farming.  Bob had a strong work ethic and as a youth worked for several local farmers.  He began his working career at C & K Coal Company where he operated D9, D10, and D11 bulldozers.  He was later employed by Heeter Construction, Waste Management and retired as a heavy equipment operator from the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local #66.  Bob served his community as a Salem Township Supervisor for several years and was a proud member of Edenburg Lodge #550 for nearly 50 years. 

He is survived by his wife Sonya Stewart Ritts whom he married on September 25, 1971 at the former St. Peter Lutheran Church in St. Petersburg.  Together the couple shared 54 years of marriage.  In addition to his wife he is survived by his brother H. Dale VanSteenberg of Miami, Fl; three daughters Nicole L. Penny and her husband Michael of Nickleville, Brandi L. Fisher and her husband Gregory of Parker, and Bobbi J. Ritts – Hamilton and her husband Robert of Emlenton.   Bob was a proud grandfather to seven grandchildren: Caleb Michael Penny, Elijah David Penny, Aubrey Alexandra Fisher, Marissa Mae Fisher, Jacob James Fisher, Noah Wesley Ritts, and Tucker James Hamilton.  A sister in law survives Barbara J. Logue of St. Petersburg, a nephew David Logue and his significant other Chris of Butler, two nieces Marcy Courson and her husband Rob and Melanie Courson and her husband Tom all of St. Petersburg, as well as a number of aunts, uncles, great nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister in law and brothers in law Elaine Platt Ketner, Robert Platt, Robert Ketner, and William Logue and a nephew W. Dennis Logue. 

Friends will be received at the Salem Lutheran Church, 2057 Rte. 208 Lamartine, from Noon to 3pm on Friday.  A funeral service will follow from the church at 3pm with the Rev. Doug A. Dyson, church pastor and Rev. Dennis Barger, pastor of the Scrubgrass Stone Church in Emlenton, co-officiating.  Members of Edenburg Lodge #550 will conduct a memorial service for their departed brother at 2:45pm Friday at the church.  Memorial contributions in Mr. Ritts name may be made to the Boys and Girls Club Along the Allegheny P.O. Box 2 Emlenton, Pa 16373.  Arrangements are under the direction of Hile Funeral Home, Inc. in Emlenton.  To send a condolence, please visit www.hilefh.com. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert Wesley "Bob" Ritts, please visit our floral store.