Jewell Ann Ritz

Jewell (Julie) Ann Ritz, 56, of Columbus, died at 6:36 p.m. Saturday, November 11, 2023.  Jewell was born on November 20, 1966, the daughter of James Edward Piper and Alice Ann Wilkerson. Julie was a native of Columbus, IN. She graduated from Columbus North High School in 1984. She enjoyed puzzles, the country, and crime shows. She married Mark Ritz in 1985 in French Lick, IN. Mark and Julie had a daughter, Elycia Waugh, in Aug. 1987 and a son, Victor Ritz, in Dec. 1990. She will be greatly missed by all who know her. The funeral will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at Jewell Rittman Family Funeral Home with Pastor Rick Hillard officiating. Calling will be from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will be at Westport Cemetery. Survivors include her mother, Alice (Stan) Yates; a son, Victor Ritz of Columbus, IN; and a daughter, Elycia (Phillip D.) Waugh of Harrodsburg, KY; brothers, Pastor Tony (Tricia) Piper of New Castle, IN, Bryan (Brandi) Piper of Edinburgh, IN; Sisters Jamie Ross of Bloomington, IN and Alison Prewitt of Columbus, IN; grandchildren, Phillip K. Waugh, Kaylee Waugh, Breylen Mead, and Destiny Mead; nieces Christal Ross of Muncie, IN, Chantel Piper of New Castle, IN, and Toni Piper of New Castle, IN; Nephews Codey Ross, and Bryan Piper Jr.. She was preceded in death by both grandparents: her father, James Piper, and nephew, Byron Piper.