of Chelsea, Michigan, passed away on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Silver Maples of Chelsea at the age of 89. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Katharina was born October 4, 1928 in Bous/Saar, Germany, the daughter of Johann & Maria (Schramm) Pink. Katharina grew up in Germany. She married Alfred Ritz on June 28, 1948 in Germany, and he preceded her in death in 1985. In 1990, Katharina married Milton Pool of Ann Arbor. They enjoyed 10 years together before his passing on November 10, 2001. In 2008, Katharina moved to Silver Maples. She loved gardening, traveling, cooking, baking, and entertaining for family and friends. Her home was always open to share life. Katharina also enjoyed community service to local organizations to which she belonged, GBU 630, Schwaven Verein, and German Park.
She is survived by her children, Waltraud (Dieter) Laubach and Wolfgang (Irmi) Ritz of Germany; her grandchildren, Sabiene (Stefan) Pancelet and Alexander Ritz of Germany; great-grandchildren, Daniel, Lucas, and Marco Pancelet of Germany; brother-in-law, Clair (Peggy) Griffen; niece, Barb (Will) Penpraze and family; brother-in-law, Willis Porter and Anneliese Schubert; niece, Rose (Richard) Walker; nephew, John (Diane) Porter and family; and all of her friends, especially Marianne and Hans Rauer. The family would like to thank Silver Maples for the beautiful years of great care, love, and friendship. Thanks to Arbor Hospice for their great support, concern, and care. Thank you Rev. Jeff Crowder and Rev. Vicki Lovell for their spiritual care.
A memorial service will be held Wednesday, February 28, 2018, at 2 pm at Silver Maples, Chelsea, Michigan with Rev. Jeff Crowder officiating. Interment will be at Forest Hill Cemetery, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Memorial contributions may be made to Silver Maples Silver Lining Fund (100 Silver Maples Drive, Chelsea, MI 48118), Kaleidoscope Concert Series (100 Silver Maples Drive, Chelsea, MI 48118, Checks made to Silver Maples, Kaleidoscope in memo), or Arbor Hospice (2366 Oak Valley Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48103).