Aretta Delores Ritch

Sunrise: On July 3, 1937, an angel descended to earth to fulfill her Heavenly Father’s assignment, and that angel was Aretta Deloris Thomas Ritch. She was born to her earthly parents, Charles R. and Thelma Thomas, in Bellevue, Maryland.

Sunset: On May 14, 2026, at the University of Maryland Medical Center at Easton, the Lord saw that His angel had completed her earthly assignment, and because she was weary, He called her home to rest.

Journey: Aretta, lovingly known as “Rett,” began her education at Frederick Douglass Elementary School in St. Michaels, Maryland, and completed it at Moton High School in Easton, Maryland. She held several jobs in Western Maryland before returning to the Eastern Shore, where she worked at Coldwater Seafood in Cambridge and later at Black & Decker in Easton, from which she retired. Even after retirement, she continued working alongside her husband, Ernest, in landscaping.

Aretta enjoyed hosting family gatherings, especially her summer barbecues. She loved cooking, spending time with her family, and sharing conversation with friends, especially during her visits to Walmart’s parking lot. She also enjoyed fishing and spending time outdoors. Aretta was formerly a member of the Eastern Star and was a current member of the Buffalo Soldiers.

Aretta loved the Lord and was never ashamed to let anyone know it. She began her spiritual walk while attending church in Baltimore, and after returning to the Eastern Shore, she became an active member of Union United Methodist Church in St. Michaels, where she faithfully served until her health declined. Aretta loved singing in the church choir as well as traveling with family and friends singing the songs of Zion.

Legacy: Aretta leaves to cherish her memory her husband, Ernest Ritch Sr.; her son, Darryl Cooper Sr. of North Brentwood; her bonus sons, Richard Gibson, Keith Gibson, Chris Ritch, and Ernest Ritch Jr.; her grandchildren, Shameka Murray (Rodney), Carla Cooper (Brandon), both of Maryland, Darryl Cooper Jr. of West Virginia, and DaShae and Donte Cooper, both of Maryland; one brother, Marvin Thomas of Baltimore; and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Aretta was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Tamera Cooper; and her siblings, Charles Thomas, Doris Cannon, Walter Thomas Sr., Alvin Thomas, and Frank Thomas.