ROUND O :  Mrs. Kelma Ritter Rickenbaker, wife of the late Shumate L. Rickenbaker, passed away Sunday morning, January 31, 2021 at her home in Round O, surrounded by her loving family, under hospice care.  She was 99.

Mrs. Rickenbaker was born December 22, 1921 a daughter of Raymond and Lucille Beach Ritter.  She enjoyed a wonderful childhood with her six siblings in the little town of Ritter.  Kelma was active in countless community activities, but her focus in life was to serve God through her church, Bethlehem Baptist in Round O, where she was a Sunday School Teacher and Bible School Director.  She was endeared to the Women's Missionary Union Group (WMU), the Girls in Action (G.A.'s), and the Acteens.  She also worked with the boy's group, the Royal Ambassadors (R.A.'s).  For more than fifteen years she served faithfully as the church clerk.  Kelma's singing was a footnote to her love of music, especially gospel and the old hymns.  The church choir was special to her as she sang songs of hope and praise with her friends and neighbors.

Kelma is survived by two children, Ronald Rickenbaker (Pam) and Susan Cumbee.  She has three grandchildren:  Meredith Hipp, Justin Rickenbaker (Emily) and Cameron Hipp.  She leaves behind four great- grandchildren: Ryan, North, and Noah Hipp, and Levi Rickenbaker. Kelma has a sister, Alice Ritter Hobieka, and a brother, Raymond Ritter (Ethel).  In addition to her parents, and her husband of sixty-five years, she was preceded in death by her son-in-law Glenn Cumbee.

Kelma was grateful for her many caregivers over the years, particularly the team from Hospice of Charleston.  She was most thankful for Mauriena Martin, who became a wonderful support for the entire family.

In consideration of the current situation that exists in the nation, state and community in regards to the coronavirus pandemic, and with the safety of her friends in mind, the family has decided to hold a private graveside service at the Kinsey Cemetery, where she will be interred beside her late husband.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bethlehem Baptist Church's Building Fund, or to the non-profit
Outdoor Dreams, 220 Arnold Drive, Anderson, SC 29621, whose goal is to provide outdoor experiences for children and young adults with debilitating conditions.  Parker-Rhoden Funeral Home, 117 Paul Street in Walterboro is in charge of arrangements.