Sylvia Jeannette (Stahl) Riter, 91, peacefully entered into eternal glory on September 7, 2026, at Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.

Sylvia was born on November 17, 1934, in Doland, SD, to Jake and Sara (Hofer) Stahl. She grew up in a family with three sisters and moved to Mountain Lake, MN, when she was in eighth grade. Sylvia graduated from high school in Mountain Lake and attended Freeman Junior College in Freeman, SD, where she earned her teaching degree. Later, she received her bachelor’s degree from Dakota State College in Madison, SD.

Her first job was teaching 4th and 5th grades in Lake Norden, SD, where she met the love of her life, Delbert Edward Riter. They were married on December 26, 1956.

During the first years of their marriage, they moved around the Midwest while Delbert was trucking. They returned to Lake Norden in 1962.

Sylvia resumed teaching in Lake Norden and Hamlin County, retiring in 2001 after 37 years of teaching. She continued to work as a substitute teacher for many years. Sylvia and Delbert also owned Riter Grocery in Lake Norden for 18 years. She was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church.

Sylvia was a devoted mother. She and Delbert cared for their son, Kendell, for over 60 years. But her favorite role was being a grandma. Whether watching sporting events or shopping, she delighted in all of their experiences.

Sylvia was preceded in death by her husband, Delbert; her son, Kendell; her parents, Jake and Sara (Hofer) Stahl; and her sisters, Vesta, Mabel, and Darlene.

She is survived by her sons, Douglas (Debbie D) and Robyn (Karen); her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Drew and Cassie (Annalise, Lincoln, and Jaron), Devon and Margerie (Elliott), Dana and Brett Jorgensen (Milo and Abe), Scott and Michelle (Bradley and Landon), and Becca and Ryan Tillma (Paityn and Miles); her sister-in-law, Janet Jacobsen; her brother-in-law, Wimpy Buller; and many nieces and nephews.

A Graveside Service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Danish Lutheran Cemetery in rural Lake Norden, SD. The family invites the public to join them for Visitation and a luncheon following the graveside service at the Lake Norden Community Center.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorials be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church in Lake Norden, SD.