Robert Wesley “Bob” Ritts

Robert Wesley “Bob” Ritts

Robert Wesley “Bob” Ritts, 75, of Lamartine, passed away peacefully in the company of his loving family on 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 outdoorsman 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 several Aunts and 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, William Logue, and a nephew, W. Dennis Logue.

Friends will be received at the Salem Lutheran Church, 2057 Rte. 208 Lamartine, from Noon to 3 pm on Friday, October 17, 2025. A funeral service will follow from the church at 3 pm 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 2:45 pm 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.