Nova Belle Burnett Ritter has passed into the arms of Jesus recently in Midland, Texas. Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 10, 2018 at 11:00 AM at the Mason Funeral Home in Mason Texas.

Nova Belle was one of seven children born to Arch and Pauline (Nicholas) Burnett. She was born in October of 1929, in Seagraves, Texas. As a child the family moved to Mason (Fredonia) which was her father's birthplace. She was a graduate of Mason High School. While at Mason High School she was active in volleyball, basketball, pep squad, drum corps, Spanish club, homemaking club and was better known as Nosie Belle.

In 1947 she married J.W. Ritter. They lived in Mason until 1956. Then they moved to several Texas towns before finally settling in Odessa in 1958. Once they settled in Odessa, Texas she told J.W. that this was the last time she was moving. She became a beautician in Odessa. In 1993 they moved to Midland to be close to their grandchildren and to help care for them.

Nova was loved by family for her care, cooking and wisdom. Her big breakfast feasts were works of love. She made one of everything for all to choose from and enjoy. Some of the wisdom came in the form of helping a young man get his wayward donkey back in the fence. He chased and tried to coax the donkey back to no avail, but Nova picked up a bucket and put a rock in it and shook it at the donkey and he immediately followed her back to the pen. Growing up on the Mason farm had its benefits.

She was preceded in death by her husband J.W. Ritter, her parents Arch and Pauline Burnett, her sisters Celesta Nobles, Helen McCormick and LaJean Burnett Ramey, and her brother Max Burnett.

She is survived by her son Mitchell Ritter and wife Betsy of Midland, her two grandchildren Tyson Ritter and his wife Rachel, Lindsey Washburn and her husband Andrew and her great granddaughter Lily Washburn. She is also survived by her sister Paula Barbieri of Midland, her brother Bobby Burnett and wife Marty of Cherokee. She is also survived by her nephews Nickie Nobles and his wife Ann of Mason, Tolley McCormick and his wife Cheryl of San Antonio, Luke Burnett of San Angelo, Robert Burnett and his wife Lisa of Fort Worth, her nieces Lavern Taylor and her husband Greg of San Antonio and DeAun Bryan and her husband Dennis of Amarillo. She leaves behind many extended family members and friends from all over the United States.

Pallbearers are Bobby Burnett, Nickie Nobles, Greg Taylor, Robert Burnett, Dennis Bryan and Luke Burnett.

Memorials may be made to Main Street Church of Christ in Midland, Texas.

Condolences may be sent to the family on-line at masonfuneralhome.net Donations can be made to either the charity of your choice or to Main Street Church of Christ Building Fund, 101 West Parker Avenue, Midland, Texas