Elsie I. Zurn Ritz

Mrs. Elsie Irene Zurn Ritz, 93, passed away on Friday, July 31, 2026 at Delhi Nursing and Rehabilitation Center following a long illness.

Born on April 24, 1933 in Cooks Falls, NY. Elsie was the daughter of the late Frank and Iona (Hunt) McAdams.

Elsie began working as a telephone operator in Oneonta, NY. Then she became a farmer’s wife and mother. She began her nursing career as a nurse’s aide. Later, she attended SUNY Delhi and became a Licensed Practical Nurse. She worked for many years at the former Delaware County Infirmary in Delhi, NY. After retiring, she did community health care.

Elsie was a member of the Treadwell United Methodist Church, where she served with the United Methodist Women’s group. She was a member of the Treadwell Fire Department Auxiliary. She also, served on the local election board.

Elsie’s greatest joy was her family and loved spending time with them. She, also, enjoyed gardening, tending to her flower gardens, going to lawn sales, auctions, traveling, especially to Cape Cod, and volunteering. Her volunteer work included helping with church dinners, the Pancake Tent at the Walton Fair, wrapping Christmas presents for residents at the Delaware County Infirmary, many years at the Salvation Army, delivering meals, and helping wherever she could.

Besides her parents, Elsie was predeceased by her husbands: Charles Zurn in 1997 and Donald Ritz in 2018; along with her siblings: Emma Barber and Floyd McAdams.

She is survived by five children: Carol (Robert) Beierlein of Stamford, NY, Debra (Dwight) Bruno of Franklin, NY, Daniel Zurn of Hamden, NY, Connie (John) Kelly of Emerald Isle, NC and Gary (Mary Ann Sciame) Zurn of Bloomville, NY; her stepchildren, Jack Ritz of Franklin, NY and Deb Brienza of Oneonta, NY; one sister, Laura Umfleet of Jacksonville, Arkansas; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; step-grandchildren and step-great grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Friends and relatives are invited to call on Thursday, August 6, 2026, from 10AM-11AM at the MacArthur Funeral Home, 134 Main Street, Delhi, NY 13753, where the Nursing Honor Guard will pay respects followed by the funeral service at 11AM with the Rev. Dawn Richards. Burial will follow at Crouton Union Cemetery, Treadwell.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Elsie can be made to the Treadwell Methodist Church, 68 Church Street, Treadwell, NY 13846.

Please visit www.macarthurfh.com to share a condolence with Elsie’s family.