Miriam Riter

MIRIAM A. RITER (nee Youtz), aged 95 years, beloved wife for 54 years to the late Rev. A.L. (Pastor Emeritus at Church of the Saviour (United Methodist), dearest mother of Phyllis J. Garrett (husband Dr. J.T.), James C. (wife Kim), John B. (wife Donna) and the late Nancy Brower, loving grandmother of William and Robert Brower, Linda Luce, Michael and Melissa Garrett, James Jr., Jeffrey, Eric, Emily and the late Matthew Riter, great-grandmother of 8, daughter of the late Charles Blaine and Nora Alice (nee Snyder) Youtz, devoted sister of the late William, Jason and Virgil Youtz, fond aunt and grand-aunt of many. Contributions in memory of Miriam suggested to Church of the Saviour, 2537 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights, OH 44118.

Miriam Adeline (Youtz) Riter was born August 12, 1920 to Nora Alice Snyder and Charles Blaine Youtz at the family farm in Mapleton, Ohio.

She attended Osnaburg Twp. schools which later combined to form East Canton High School. Miriam was very active in extra-curricular activities in High School including the Debate Team, leading role in high school play, pianist, and accompanist for the orchestra and glee club.  She graduated from East Canton High School in 1938. Miriam was honored with an academic scholarship to Capital University in Bexley Ohio for her freshman year.

In her sophomore year, she transferred to Ohio State University. During her college years, she served as Choir Director at Como Evangelical Church and also provided piano accompaniment for radio station WOSU. She graduated Ohio State University in the Class of 1942 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education with a Music Major. Upon graduation, she taught music at Prospect Elementary in Prospect, Ohio. In 1943, she was invited to serve with the US Signal Corps as a civilian code translator in Washington, DC.

While working in Washington, she married Donald Hickok of Richwood, Ohio.  Donald was serving in the Army Air Corps.  Tragically, one week after their wedding, he was killed when two aircraft accidentally collided during a training maneuver.  Miriam returned to Ohio, teaching Music and Physical Education in the  Hartville Elementary and High Schools where she also directed and provided piano accompaniment for High School plays and theatrical productions. On May 24, 1947, Miriam married Aldine L. Riter, Pastor of Fairhope and Mapleton churches. Miriam became full-time mother to Aldine’s daughters, Nancy (age 4) and Phyllis (age 1).  Son James was born 10/48 and son John was born 4/57.

As a minister’s wife, Miriam enjoyed serving the church in many capacities over the years.  Some of her duties included Choir Director, Organist, Sunday School Teacher, and Youth Fellowship leader.  Her lifelong dedication to her Lord and the Church has been recognized numerous times. Miriam has touched many lives.  She continues to inspire those around her by her love of the Lord, her music, and her fiercely independent spirit.

Funeral services Friday, May 20, 2016 at Church of the Saviour (United Methodist) at 9:30 AM. Graveside services Friday, 12 Noon at Mapleton Cemetery, Mapleton, Ohio. Family will receive friends to pay tribute and celebrate the life of Miriam at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF SOUTH EUCLID, 4600 MAYFIELD RD. (just East of Green Rd.) THURSDAY 3-5 AND 6-8 PM.