Local builder, Steve George Ritter, Sr., 80, of Winchester, passed away at home on Friday, January 9, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones.

Born in Frederick County on July 4, 1945, Steve was the son of the late George Nelson Ritter, Sr., and Elizabeth Ridenour Ritter. A skilled craftsman, Steve built many homes in Winchester and the surrounding area. He, along with his brother Greg, took over the family business, Ritter Construction, in the early 1980’s. In addition to homes, he also built Macedonia United Methodist Church, of which he was a member.

Besides building, Steve also had a great interest in racing and baseball. In his younger years, Steve owned a race car, which he raced at Winchester Speedway. As his family grew, he traded his race car hobby for baseball, and began coaching the baseball teams that his 4 sons played on.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Madeline; sons Steve George Ritter, Jr. (Terry) of White Post, John Alan Ritter (Susan) of Front Royal, Jeffrey Lynn Ritter of Winchester, and Bradley Scott Ritter (Tonja) of Winchester; grandchildren, Emily, Alyssa, Jessica, Hannah and Bradley, Jr.; great-grandchildren, Bailey, Keegan and Lewis; sisters, Peggy and Patricia and brothers, Floyd, Nelson, Frank, Greg and Boyd.

In addition to his parents, Steve is preceded in death by a granddaughter, Ashley, and by sisters Joyce and Shirley.

A visitation will be held for Steve on Monday, January 19, 2026, from 11am to 1pm with the service to be conducted at 1pm all held at Omps Funeral Home, South Chapel. Interment will be in Shenandoah Memorial Park Mausoleum. Officiating will be Pastor Jason Duley.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Steve to Blue Ridge Care, 333 W. Cork St., Suite 405, Winchester, VA 22601.