Biography

Martha Clara, daughter of Ellenora and Herman Ritter, was born five miles southeast of Alva on July 23, 1916. She passed away at the Alva Share Convalescent Home on March 5, 2010 at the age of 93 years, 7 months and 13 days.
She attended the Lutheran Elementary School and graduated from Northwestern High School.
Miss Ritter was married to Ralph G. Cornelius, who was a flight officer in WWII, and they lived in various places. To their marriage, a son Gary Lynn, was born in 1946. After his discharge he taught physical education and later was principal. On June 28, 1967 Ralph passed away in an airplane accident.
Following his death, she moved back to Alva and worked as a charge nurse at the Convalescent Center for several years before she retired.
Mrs. Cornelius was a member of the Alva Zion Lutheran Church and was baptized on August 13, 1916 and was confirmed in 1930.
She was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters, Emma, Tillie and Acellia; two brothers, Albert and Walter.
Martha is survived by her son Gary and his wife Agnes, of Saranac, New York; three granddaughters, Evelyn Cornelius, Clara Escajeda and Regina Modelle and two great grandchildren, Allasandra Demicco Cornelius and Aleese-Gushlaw.

Pending

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