ESTERO, FLORIDA
Jeannette Sheek Martino Ritchhart 93, formerly of Indianapolis and Carmel, Indiana, passed away February 11, 2023. One of three children, she was born Jeannette Sheek on December 5, 1929 in Indianapolis, Indiana. She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Frank D. Martino; and both of her siblings. Jeannette grew up in Franklin, IN, and always said that she was never allowed to get into any trouble as her dad was the superintendent of the area schools. Jeannette’s exposure to learning and education fostered her own passion to pursue a degree in education at Indiana University and while there, she met her future husband, Frank. After graduating with a BA degree in 1951, she began teaching fourth grade. Jeannette and Frank married the following year and were blessed with six children over the years. Although a talented and much sought-after teacher, Jeannette and Frank felt that her most important job was raising their children. She possessed many qualities including a strong work ethic, which she passed down to her children.
As the years progressed, Jeannette provided full-time care to her husband, Frank, who fought Alzheimer’s Disease for 12 years. During this time, Jeannette not only provided Frank’s care but also continued work in the field of real estate. Frank passed away in 1996 after 44 years of marriage. An angel later came into the life of Jeannette and the Martino clan in the form of Kenneth Ritchhart who had also been a caregiver to his late spouse. Jeannette and Ken became not only business partners but life partners as well, and were married in August of 1997, a joyous occasion witnessed by all of those in their large blended family. This past year, they and their family celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. Ken and Jeannette remained totally devoted to one another until the time of her passing. A true blessing to all of those in her family, Jeannette cherished her role as loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She also provided countless moments of joy to family and friends as an accomplished pianist.
Jeannette is survived by her husband, Kenneth F. Ritchhart; three daughters, Kathy (Steve) Bailey, Christine (Mario) Del Prado and Judy (Greg) Zarick; and three sons, Mark (Jose Fidelino), Thomas (Barb) and David (Paige) Martino; and by her cherished grandsons, Michael (Lindsey) and Brian Bailey, Guy (Cierra) and Max Martino, John (Mia), Tommy and Nicky Zarick; her cherished granddaughters, Amanda, Eve, Mia and Tess Del Prado, and Maria (Matt Schroeder) Zarick. Jeannette’s longevity allowed her to know and enjoy her great-grandchildren, Dominic, Gabriella, and Roman Martino, and Sophia Bailey.
Also surviving are Ken’s five wonderful and beloved children, Linda (Larry) Robinson, Ken (Tena), Ron (Kevon Zehner), Steve and Jeff (Ann) Ritchhart; nine cherished grandchildren, David Grossman, Amy (Angie Grover), Christopher M. (Megan), Michael S. (Kelsey) and Christopher A. Ritchhart; Shawn (Anna) and Rebecca Olsen; Tracy Robinson and Helene Ekehelen. Great-grandchildren on this side of the family include Mason Ritchhart, Finn Olsen and Harper Ritchhart.
Jeannette was always very proud of the accomplishments of her children and grandchildren on both sides of the family. She was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.
A service will be held Saturday, February 18, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at Shirley Brothers Fishers-Castleton Chapel, 9900 Allisonville Road, Fishers. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association. To leave the family online condolences please visit www.shirleybrothers.com.
