Paul "Pee Wee" Ritts

                Paul E. "Pee Wee" Ritts, 80, of Seneca, died Wednesday morning, November 20, 2019 following a lengthy illness.

                He was born May 3, 1939 in Emlenton, a son to the late Fred and Alberta (Whitling) Ritts.   

                He was a 1957 graduate of Cranberry High School.  He then enlisted  in the U.S. Army and served from 1960 through 1963, stationed in Germany. 

                Paul was a member of the Oil City Moose and Eagles Club, and also coached Little League baseball for eight years. 

                Whether you knew Pee Wee for ten minutes or ten years, he had you either laughing or blushing.  He was the life of the party, and even up until his last day, he left everyone with a smile.  He was an avid fisherman, hunter, bowler, and trapper.  He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren, and was an avid fan of the Pirates and Steelers.  The last year was spent enjoying time on his back porch watching hummingbirds, jets and jet streams. 

                Mr. Ritts was employed for over 40 years as a maintenance millwright with Oilwell Supply Company in Oil City. 

                He was married in Hill City Methodist Church in Seneca on August 4, 1962 to the former Trudy Jean Latshaw, and she survives. 

                Also surviving are three children:  Shellie Snell and husband Ted of Canton, Georgia, Sherry Bard and husband Chris of Oil City, and Scott Ritts and wife Kris of Burgettstown; seven grandchildren: Shawna Burwell and husband Ryan, Daniel Moyer and wife Mandy, Codey Moyer and wife Charlye, Casey Bard and wife Lindsey, Kyle Bard and wife Kayla, Dalton Ritts, and Caley Ritts; ten great-grandchildren; a sister, Patricia Latshaw of Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina; a brother John Ritts and wife Cheri of Towanda; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews. 

                In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Betty Hall; two brothers, Glenn and Harry Ritts; and a brother-in-law, Larry Latshaw. 

                Visitation will be held on Sunday (Nov. 24th) from 1 - 4 p.m. in Hile-Best Funeral Home, 2781 Rte. 257 in Seneca, Cranberry Township.  A funeral service will follow in the funeral home Sunday (Nov. 24) at 4 p.m. with Rev. William E. Hastings, pastor of Seneca United Methodist Church, officiating.  The VETS Honor Guard will accord full military honors during the visitation at 2 p.m.

                In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave. Floor 17 Chicago, IL 60601.

                To express condolences online, please visit www.hilebest.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Paul "Pee Wee" Ritts, please visit our floral store.