Penelope A. "Penny" Ritter

Penelope A. “Penny” Ritter, of Hanover, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and educator, passed away peacefully on June 14th, 2026. She was 78.

Born on July 22, 1947 in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of Andrew and Dorothy Shaton. Penny’s father was a WWII Veteran and retired Bethlehem Steel employee. She graduated in 1965 from Liberty High School in Bethlehem, PA and was a 1969 graduate of Penn State University, where she majored in science and teaching. While at Penn State, Penny received a varsity letter as a member of the first ever women's basketball team. She met her husband, William “Bill” Ritter while at Penn State. She also received a Masters degree in Chemistry from Shippensburg University. After graduation from Penn State, she worked at Delone Catholic High School and then in the Hanover Public School system as an 8th grade science teacher. She also served as the president of the teacher’s union for many years.

Penny was a devoted mother who raised four children while maintaining a full career in education. She was a proud and active member in the Democratic Party. Penny and her husband Bill were also active members of St. Matthew Lutheran Church, where Penny sang in the choir, was a soloist handbell performer and taught Sunday school. Penny enjoyed traveling with her husband Bill, making her delicious Moravian desserts, and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren who brought her so much joy.

Penny is survived by her husband of over 55 years Bill Ritter of Hanover, Pennsylvania and their four children: Kari Ritter, Olney, MD; Stephanie Havice (Jason) Cobalt, CT; Paul Ritter (Kelly) Austin, TX; and Charles “Chuck” Ritter (Corinne), Sandwich, MA. She is also survived by her eleven grandchildren: Owen Ritter, Andrew Hicks (Tara), Erin Hicks (Dan), Ian Havice, Elena Hicks, Julia Havice, Charlie Ritter, Bella Hicks, Max Ritter, Isla Ritter and Penelope Ritter. In addition, she is survived by her sister Kathleen Shaton of Kansas City, KS, her niece and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother George Shaton.

Penny was an active grandmother often taking her grandkids on special vacations, cheering for her grandchildren at their many sporting events and activities, sharing her Penn State football tickets, and spoiling the grandchildren on shopping trips. Penny’s legacy will be measured by the lives of those she touched, including those of her students over her long teaching career. She will be deeply missed.

A memorial service celebrating Penny’s life will be held at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 30 W. Chestnut Street, Hanover, PA 17331 on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. The family will receive friends in the church parlor one hour prior to the service.