A devastating loss for community in death of educator, mom of 5

It was common to see Charlotte Ritter at numerous community events, including the Hill Country Charity Ball, where she served on the board of directors. When she wasn’t helping others, she taught in the Center Point Independent School District.

Ritter died late Thursday night in a car crash that the Kerrville Police Department is investigating as a suspected case of manslaughter. A police report said the crash happened just after 11 p.m. in the 2200 block of Medina Highway.

Ritter, who was 39, leaves behind five children.

Details are limited, and all Kerrville Police officials said was the matter was under investigation. However, the outpouring of support for Ritter and her family lit up Kerrville’s social media community.

Ritter’s friends Shelby Kocurek and Ashli Lloyd organized a candlelight vigil for her on Saturday night at Tranquility Island. Lloyd helped organize a GoFundMe drive and a March 9 fundraiser at the Hill Country Youth Event Center. For many, the loss of Ritter came as a crushing shock.

“Most importantly, Charlotte was a devoted mother who loved her children more than anything,” Lloyd wrote about Ritter. “She leaves behind five children who now face a future without their mom. She was also about to become a grandmother, a role she was so excited for and would have embraced with all the love and joy she had to give.”

Saturday’s candlelight vigil starts at 7 p.m. at Tranquility Island in Louise Hays Park.

Ritter taught in Center Point but was also known for her tutoring skills. She was a regular fixture at various community events and causes.