Dreama Lee Sawyers Ritter

October 10, 1938 – October 13, 2026

Dreama Lee Sawyers Ritter, 88, of Carter Hill Road in Springville, Virginia, passed peacefully on October 13, 2026 after a long illness. Born October 10, 1938, she was a lifelong resident of Tazewell County whose kindness, resilience, and devotion to family shaped the lives of all who knew her.

Dreama was preceded in death by her mother Mary Sue Dishman Starling and father Stewart Winfred Starling; her beloved grandmother Mable Harrison Dishman Kitts, with whom she lived and shared a deep, lifelong bond; her husband of 48 years, John Roger Bailey Ritter; her daughter Cathy Sue Ritter Stacy and son Roger Winfred Ritter; her brother Gene McCray; and her granddaughter-in-law Kelly Stacy and two great-grandchildren Kailee and Zackery Stacy, whose lives were tragically lost in a devastating fire.

Dreama lived a life centered around caring for others. She loved to cook for family, friends, and neighbors, and her kitchen was a place where people gathered for comfort, laughter, and the warmth she offered so naturally. She was also a talented cake decorator; known for her creativity and the joy she poured into every design. Throughout her life, Dreama opened her heart and home to countless children, caring for many throughout the years. Her kindness, patience, and gentle spirit made her a beloved caregiver to every child who was lucky enough to be under her wing.

Later in life, Dreama attended Southwest Community College, where she studied accounting—an accomplishment that reflected her determination to keep learning and growing at every stage of life.

She served as Queen Mother and was an active and cherished member of the Red Hat Society, where she found friendship, fun, and a community of “sisters” who brought her great joy. Dreama was also a member of Mountain View Church of Christ, where her faith and fellowship were important parts of her life.

Her greatest pride was her family. She is survived by her son and primary care giver, David Lee Ritter of Springville, Virginia. She is also survived by her daughter-in-law Dena Waller Ritter of Roanoke, VA.

Dreama leaves behind a loving circle of grandchildren: Blake Stacy and Clarissa Stacy Smith of North Carolina; Dreama Stacy of Illinois; Matthew Ritter of Utah; John Ritter (Tiffany) of Taiwan; Dr. Jill Ritter Parker (Skyler) of Mississippi; Joni Lee Ritter Strange (Michael) of North Carolina; James (Jessi) Avis of Virginia; and Chris Avis of Texas.

Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren: Brooklyn Bowman; Trenton Poole; Shianne Luquire; Brody, Bowen, and Brynnlee Joy Parker; Aella Strange; Aubreeonna Ritter; Mikalah Ritter-Hancock; Jace Willis; Shane, Julian, Jalen and CJ Avis.

Dreama is also survived by one sister, Melissa Starling Boe of Louisiana and her brother Charles Lynn Starling (Nora) of South Carolina, along with several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Mary Totten, Dreama’s devoted caregiver, for her many years of compassion, dedication, and support.

Services for Dreama will be held at Mountain View Church of Christ, with Minister Robert Kinder officiating, on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Lunch and fellowship will follow immediately after the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Tazewell County Animal Shelter, honoring Dreama’s lifelong love for animals or to Mountain View Church of Christ in honor of her service and devotion to her church.