Beverly Young Ritter Oels

February 4, 1934-December 15, 2025   Beverly was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on February 4, 1934, and was delivered to her adopting parents, Clarence Birt and Gladys Elizabeth (Shepard) Young, some 72 hours later at their residence in New Castle, Pennsylvania.

Beverly's oldest son, Michael B. Ritter, of O'Fallon, Missouri, was born of her marriage to Joseph F. Ritter in 1950. That marriage ended in 1962, and in 1965 she married Phillip Oels of Westwood, California, and gained two more children, Phillip Oels, II, and Sheri Lee Oels. Later, Phillip would adopt Michael and always considered him his son.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Phillip Lewis Oels; her parents; her son, Michael Ritter; and her daughter, Sheri Oels Bohanon. Survivors are her daughter-in-law, CathyLynne of O'Fallon, Missouri; son Phillip Oels, II, and his wife, Keri, of Cedar Hills, Utah; grandchildren Tara Kirby, Timothy Bruce, and Jeremy Bruce; and 4 great-grandchildren.

For you purists out there, be it noted that both Beverly and Phil disliked the designation of "step" when referring to their children. Michael was legally adopted by Phil, and they always responded to inquiries about their family by saying they had three children. There was never a "mine" or "yours" with these two—it was always "ours."

Her family wishes to express their thanks and appreciation to all those friends who stepped up to meet the needs of our mother, which we, living so far away, were unable to meet. She spoke of you with great love for your care and concern, and your efforts on her behalf were never taken for granted by her or by us. She considered you part of her extended family. She was also grateful for cousins in Pennsylvania and Florida who maintained contact during her later years. Your e-mails and text messages brought her many smiles, and we thank you as well.

Although Beverly loved flowers of any kind and color, she was supportive of The Arthritis Foundation, The Alzheimer's Association, and, of course, the Missionary Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Remember her in the way that suits you best.