Ritsuko Nitta, of Springfield, MO, left this world peacefully and surrounded by her family on Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at the age of 100. She was born on Terminal Island in Los Angeles, CA to Kinosuke and Miye Kubo (nee Sakauye) on Sunday, February 7, 1926.

Our family is mourning her death and celebrating her life through the compassion of loved ones in her family. Our mother was an exemplary housewife and matron, and we remember her 100 years of life. After returning to the village of Makurazaki in the Kagoshima Prefecture of Kyushu, Japan with her family at the age of 2 years, she survived WWII and trained as a seamstress in Tokyo. She returned to LA and worked in the garment industry while also caring for her older sibling's children. She later married Eric Nitta on March 28, 1953 and raised their family in Doylestown, PA before relocating to Springfield in 1972. She continued to sew and made clothes for herself and her family; she also enjoyed laughing, singing, reading, gardening, and watching sporting events. She dedicated her long life completely to her family and household wellness all the while being gracious, lovable, playful yet competitive, never complaining, and extraordinarily strong willed. These enviable qualities remained with her until the very end. Through our many priceless memories, we will honor her life by doing our best to live by her example. We love and miss you, Mom.

Ritsuko was preceded in death by her husband and her parents.

She is survived by her three children Grace Thiel (Jeff) of Wisconsin, Diane Nitta (David Coleman) and Don Nitta of Springfield, four grandchildren Hana Sapp, Brenna Buchanan (Kyle), Corbin Sapp (Krystle) and Brent Thiel and six great-grandchildren.

The remains of our Eric and Ritsuko will be interred together in California. In lieu of flowers, please contribute in their names to your favorite charity. Online condolences can be made at www.klingnerfuneralhome.com