Hila Marie Ritter Crawley

Thursday, October 15, 2015

Hila Marie Ritter Crawley, 95, passed away Oct. 14 after a short stay at Wellbrooke of Avon at the conclusion of her struggle with leukemia.

She was the first child born to Rollin W. Ritter and Iva Leona Anderson Ritter on Nov. 18, 1919. A sister, Florence Mary Ritter Marsh, followed in 1922. Iva passed away when Hila was four years old in 1923. Her father Rollin then married Edna Rhoda Daniel Ritter. Soon sisters Mary Ritter and Sara Alexander and brothers Harold E. and Lawrence Ritter joined her west side Indianapolis family.

Hila attended Ben Davis High School for two years and graduated from Greencastle High School in 1937 after moving to Greencastle to help with the families of her aunts that were living there. While in high school she met Glendon Russell Crawley and they were eventually married and moved to Indianapolis after Glen's discharge from military service at the end of World War II.

Sons David Russell Crawley and Dennis William Crawley were born in 1947 and 1949. Their marriages produced six grandchildren, Tom Crawley (Shannon), Jennifer Crawley Sloan (Rob), Tana Crawley Dulin, Jeff Crawley (Victoria), Jaime Crawley Morris (Jim) and Jody Clodfelter Lopassa. Hila also has 17 great-grandchildren and a cousin, Ann Bible.

Hila restarted her working career once the boys entered high school and eventually retired from her accounting position at Maplehurst Farms, after more than 20 years. She volunteered part time at Westview Hospital and was honored for being a volunteer emeritus after 20 years of service.

A member of the Lynhurst Baptist Church for most of her life, she also participated in women's study groups.

Hila was an avid golfer and bowler. She played golf into her mid 80s at the Plainfield Elks Club Course where Glen had been a member. She enjoyed watching local college and professional basketball and golf and was a no-nonsense card player.

She will be remembered for her strong will and love of family and country. Her will for independence served her well during the difficult time that she lived.

A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at Forest Hill Cemetery in Greencastle with Dave Verhonik officiating. All are welcome. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Friday Oct. 16 at Conkle Funeral Home Avon Chapel.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.