VASSAR – Mrs. Ila Mae Beckman-Ritter, aged 86, passed away on July 17, 2026, at McLaren – Bay Region Hospital in Bay City, Michigan.

Ila was born on February 25, 1940, in Carson City, Michigan, a daughter of Robert & Cyrena (Burke) Fishburn. On January 25, 1957, she wed Charles Beckman Jr. Together they shared countless memories, raised their seven children, and celebrated 36 years of marriage before Charles’ passing in 1993. Ila found love again and was wed to Arthur Ritter Jr. on April 1, 1995. They shared 13 years of marriage before his passing in 2008. Ila proudly served as bus driver for Davison Public Schools and Millington Public Schools before her retirement in 1993. Her years spent as a bus driver brought her great joy interacting with students and their families every day. In 1993, Ila returned to school and proudly graduated from Vassar High School, accomplishing a lifelong goal. Ever the creative spirit, Ila enjoyed painting, crocheting, needle point, reading and visiting with family. Above all, Ila’s happiest moments were spent with her family. She will be deeply missed.

She is survived by her children: Leo (Lynne) Beckman of Flint, Gladys (James) Custer of Vassar, Tina (Earl) Schnepp of Fife Lake, Ken (Rebecca) Beckman of Millington, Tim (Deborah) Beckman of Vassar, and Chuck (Patty) Beckman of Millington; 15 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; sister, Anna Smejkal of Sumner, MI; brother, Roland Fishburn of Greenville, SC; as well as other extended family members.

Ila was preceded in death by her first husband, Mr. Charles Beckman Jr; second husband, Mr. Arthur Ritter Jr.; daughter, Patricia Todd; son-in-law, Roger Todd; daughter-in-law, Virginia Beckman; parents, Robert & Cyrena Fishburn; in-laws, Charles & Leona Beckman; and brother, Robert Fishburn.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be directed to Hampton Nursing & Rehab of Bay City, Michigan. The family extends their thanks to special friend, Toni Volante, and the entire staff at Hampton Nursing & Rehab for their wonderful care of Ila.

Ila’s family will welcome guests to Hanlin Funeral Home in Millington from 4 – 7 PM on Tuesday, July 21, 2026. Funeral services for Ila will follow at the funeral home at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, July 22, 2026; additional visiting will begin at 11:00 AM and last until the time of service. Pastor Randy Williams will officiate. Interment to follow in Meadowview Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Davison, Michigan.

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Ila and her family are in the care of Hanlin Funeral Home in Millington. Address: 4823 Main Street, Millington, MI 48746. Phone: (989) 871-4591.

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