Gale Ritter, 72

For anyone who’s an avid RVer, cowboy at heart, or lover of life, read on for a great tale! What follows is the life story of Gale Ritter, born Dec. 7, 1943, who on Friday, May 13, 2016, “left for her final adventure.”

Her spirit carries on through her older brother, Harroun “Rich” Richardson, who lives in Thailand; her eldest daughter, Cindy Ritter, and her husband Greg Wright, of Columbia Falls; her youngest daughter, Teri Steffens, and her husband Jeff Steffens, of Kalispell; and a very large extended family of relations and friends from every walk of life!

We learned many valuable lessons from Gale (aka “Gale-isms”) during her 72 years here upon this earth, chief among them:

— Always Live, Love, and Laugh. Also referred to as “L” to the third power.

— The faster you go, the less you feel the bumps. This still applies even if you’re not driving down dirt roads.

— Take time to appreciate your surroundings no matter where you’re at. The where isn’t as important as what you get out of it.

— Be sure to follow the 7 Ps of Life: Prior Proper Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance.

— Fly the American flag proudly. And always thank a veteran for their service.

— Remember to blow with the whim. Enjoy the unexpected and discover the extraordinary.

Gale’s adventures began in Monterey, California, on Dec. 7, 1943. She graduated high school from the Bishop’s School in La Jolla, California, in 1962. Four years later she graduated college from Chapman College in Orange, California, with a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in physical education. While there, she played basketball under jersey number 13. This began her lifelong affinity for the number 13, and particularly Friday the 13th!

Gale joined the Red Cross in January of 1967. From September of 1967 to October of 1968, she was stationed in Cam Rahn Bay, Vietnam. While there she helped wounded soldiers in the 12th USAF Evacuation Hospital by providing recreational activities. She eventually left the Red Cross in April of 1969.

That same month Gale moved to St. Helena, California, where she met the love of her life, Ken. They got married on Aug. 13, 1970, and would spend the next 39 wonderful years together. They moved back to Ken’s home state of Montana in May, 1975. The family finally settled down on the Ritter homestead along the North Fork Road outside Columbia Falls in April, 1976. It became a sanctuary where Gale and Ken raised two beautiful daughters (one found in a sea shell, the other under a rock)! It was there that the Ritters found an extended family in the neighborhood that they still call home today.

In 2001 Gale retired from Architectural Woodwork of Montana, where she had been a woodworker for 12 years. A year later she and Ken started “blow’n’ with the whim” in their fifth wheel trailer. Every fall they would travel south together, gathering old and new friends along the way. This continued until 2009, when Ken “went ahead to reserve the best campground site in heaven for Gale.”

Even after Ken’s passing Gale never lost her spirit of adventure. She downsized her fifth wheel and started heading out on her own with her dog, Sissy, for company. The best treasures she found on her trips were the many people she met and befriended. Gale attracted people like bees to honey. From Montana slopes, through Nevada wildlife refuges, to the rugged hills of central Texas, she never stopped loving life and having fun. Gale truly made her own adventures!

Gale had numerous interests throughout her life. Here are a few: horseback riding (in her youth she entered many competitive trail events), kayaking, driving fast cars, hosting Friday night porch parties, bird watching, gathering scraps of wood for campfires, wood working, stamp collecting, playing games of all kinds, and spending time with her beloved family and friends! They are what truly defined her!

Family and friends can come celebrate Gale’s life at 2 p.m. on June 25 at the Ritter homestead.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to First Descents, who provide life-changing outdoor adventures for young adults affected by cancer. Gale spent several summers volunteering with First Descents. She believed their programs helped participants understand that they could overcome challenges in their lives, just as they could learn to kayak boldly down a river. To learn more or to donate in Gale’s memory go to http://support.firstdescents.org/celebrategaleritter.

“Gale, may you always blow with the whim. You are forever in our hearts and will be greatly missed. Now go —ride off into the sunset! Until our next adventures together, be at peace.”

Columbia Mortuary is caring for the Ritter family.