It is with much sadness that we announce the passing of Christina Ann Ritzel, 50, of Leonardsville, NY, on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at her home with her loving family by her side.

   Christina, lovingly known as Tina, was born in New Hartford on August 1, 1975, the daughter of Christopher and Mary (Bramer) Ritzel. She was raised in West Utica and attended Kernan Elementary, John F. Kennedy Middle School and Proctor High School. She went on to pursue a career in health care, as an LPN. She was a remarkably dedicated and caring nurse, always going above and beyond with patients and their families. She was also a great mentor in the educational training and support that she provided to new nurses. She was last employed with the Sitrin Health Care Center in New Hartford and then as an agency traveling nurse. Her world was turned upside down when she was diagnosed with peritoneal ovarian cancer in 2020. She fought a long, difficult battle over the past five years without ever giving up.

   Tina will be remembered for her heart of gold, her love for her sons and her devotion to family and friends. She was always there to provide assistance for anyone in need. She enjoyed doing arts and crafts, baking all kinds of delicious and decorative sweets, creating her famous hand knitted blankets in abundance, shopping for deals and traveling to visit family and friends or to experience new adventures. She leaves behind her two fur baby felines, Phoebe and Brownie.

   Tina is survived by her two sons, John Lanaux (Chelsea) and Cas Lanaux of Leonardsville, NY; four cherished grandchildren, Lily, Johnna, John III and Stormy; her parents, Christopher and Mary Ritzel of West Winfield, NY; paternal grandfather, Gerard C. Ritzel of Clark Mills, NY; three brothers, Patrick Ritzel of Buffalo, NY, Johnathon (Ashley) Ritzel of Leonardsville, NY, and Christopher (Alison) Ritzel, Jr. of Oriskany Falls, NY; seven nieces and nephews, Warren, Cora, Nevaeh, Alexandria, Addison, Victoria and Christopher as well as several cousins. She was predeceased by her paternal grandmother, Helen A. Ritzel, and maternal grandparents, William J. and Mary L. Bramer. 

   Visitation for family and friends will be on Friday, November 7, 2025, from 4:00-6:00 pm at the Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Road, N, Utica, NY, followed by a service at 6:00 pm at the conclusion of visitation.

   The family would like to thank all the wonderful staff at Faxton Cancer Center for the love and care they provided for Tina. It meant the world to us.

    In lieu of flowers, please consider the needs of the family.

Rest in peace, our Tina.