Joan Diane Ritter, formerly of Sellersville, PA, passed away Monday, January 12, 2026, at The Laurels at Hidden Meadows, Sellersville, PA.  She was 90.

She was the loving wife of 39 years of the late Russell R. Ritter until his passing on April 14, 1997.

Born in East Greenville, PA, and raised in Catasauqua, PA, she was the daughter of the late Russell and Esther (Krause) Kernechel and stepdaughter of the late Esther Miller Kernechel.  She was a 1953 graduate of Whitehall High School, Whitehall, PA.

Mrs. Ritter was employed as the plant manager for Aquarium Pharmaceuticals, Chalfont, PA, for over 15 years until retiring in 1997.  Previously, she worked for Brooks Instruments, Hatfield, PA, and, earlier, for Lontex, Perkasie, PA.  When her sons were young, she loved her role of "stay-at-home mom".

She was a member of St. Stephen's United Church of Christ, Perkasie, PA, where she sang in the Church Choir and served on the Culinary Committee.

Mrs. Ritter enjoyed camping with her family in her free time, often visiting Promised Land State Park in the Poconos as well as Beltzville State Park in Carbon County, PA.  They also traveled to other Pennsylvania destinations including Valley Forge and Gettysburg.  The couple enjoyed playing various games with a card club group in their leisure time over the years.

A talented baker, she will be remembered for the delicious treats she made for her family and for progressive dinners with friends as well as the potluck dinners and parties she hosted.

She is survived by two sons, Russell P. Ritter, of Whitehall, PA, and Ryan D. Ritter and his wife Sarah Cunningham, of Norristown, PA; three grandchildren, Andrea and Veronica Ritter, and John Belford; and two sisters, Betty Roberts, of Catasauqua, PA and Fay (Miller) Salinvonchik, of Whitehall, PA.  In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by three siblings, Robert and Dick Kernechel, and Jean Roberts.

Her Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at the Suess-Gahman Funeral Home & Crematory, 606 Arch Street, Perkasie, PA, where family and friends may call from 10:00 to 11:00 AM.  Interment will follow in St. Stephen's U.C.C. Cemetery, Perkasie.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Stephen's United Church of Christ, 110 N. Sixth Street, Perkasie, PA  18944.