Irvin Walfred Ritola

Irvin Walfred Ritola, 79, of Yacolt, WA, passed away suddenly at home on Dec. 26, 2025. He was born on March 9, 1946, to Charles and Sophie (Niska) Ritola in Gackle, ND. He married Ethel Marie Ruonavaara on Jan. 1, 1969, in Brush Prairie, WA. He was a lifelong member of the Old Apostolic Lutheran Church and enjoyed visiting with his many Christian friends.. A machinist by trade, he enjoyed designing and manufacturing chainsaw accessories for the logging industry.

He is survived by his children: Laura Foley and Benjamin Ritola of Yacolt, WA; Angela Ritola of Brush Prairie, WA; Bryant Ritola of Phoenix, AZ; Alex (Lucinda) Ritola of Brush Prairie, WA; Tony Ritola of Flagstaff, AZ; Simon Ritola of Renton, WA; and Stephanie Ritola of Vancouver, WA; 17 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; his brother David Ritola; and his sisters-in-law Lola (Jack) Massie and Mary (Don) Sasse. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ethel; parents, Charles and Sophie; brothers Paul and Edward; sister Rosemary Hallstrom and her husband Leslie; sister-in-law Lorraine Ritola; and grandson Kevin Taylor.

The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., at the Old Apostolic Lutheran Church of Brush Prairie, 16603 NE 142nd Ave, Brush Prairie, Washington. A viewing will take place at 10:00 a.m. prior to the service, as well as Monday evening, January 5, 2026, from 6:30–8:00 p.m., at the church. Burial will follow the service at Elim Cemetery.