Rolene J. "Rollie" Longman-Ritzler

Rolene J. “Rollie” Longman, age 91, of Battle Creek, passed away peacefully at home, beside her loving husband, on Saturday, February 7, 2026. She was born on April 2, 1934, in Battle Creek, Michigan, the daughter of Rolen and Estelle (Eggleston) Cummings.

Rolene married Edward G. Longman on October 3, 1954, at Lakeview Baptist Church in Battle Creek. They shared 51 years of marriage until Edward’s passing in February 2006. On December 23, 2018, Rolene was united in marriage to Edwin V. Ritzler, also at Lakeview Baptist Church.

She is survived by her husband, Edwin Ritzler of Battle Creek; her sons, Stephen (Gail) Longman of Grand Blanc, Michigan, and Philip (Karen) Longman of Traverse City, Michigan; her stepchildren, John Ritzler, Nancy Papierz, and Sherie Ritzler; five grandchildren, Jennifer, Laura, Katelyn, Bradon, and Rebecca; five step grandchildren, Nathan, Mikaela, Lucas, Dwaine and Jacob; six great-grandchildren, Luke, Lauralei, Molly, Maggie, Ellie, and Josie and 4 step great grandchildren; Dwaine, Eli, Oakley and Maybel.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister; a brother; her first husband, Edward; and her daughter, Anne (Longman) Amos. A lifelong resident of the Battle Creek area, Rolene graduated from Marshall High School in 1952.

She was a devoted, lifelong member of Lakeview Baptist Church, where she was baptized in December 1953 and remained active until her passing. God blessed Rolene with a gift for music, and she faithfully served as a choir member for nearly her entire church membership. She especially enjoyed helping arrange and deliver music in various forms and was proud to be part of a community devoted to God, the church, and one another. Her cherished motto was, “I am going to keep on singing until one day I’ll join the heavenly choir.” Rolene had a zest for life and was a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother. She enjoyed traveling whenever possible and was a generous supporter of many charitable causes. She will be remembered for her faith, kindness, and the joy she brought to those around her.

The family will receive friends 2:00 to 3:00 p.m., Saturday, February 14, 2026 at the Falam Baptist Church (formerly Lakeview Baptist Church) 7 South 20th Street, Battle Creek where services to Celebrate Rollie's Life will begin at 3:00 p.m. The service was recorded and may be viewed HERE.  Memorials directed to the Lakeview Baptist Church, 601 Riverside Dr. Battle Creek, MI 49015 or the Humane Society of South Central Michigan, 2500 Watkins Rd. Battle Creek, MI 49015, would be appreciated. Arrangements by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care.

The family also created a beautiful slideshow of memories and it may be viewed HERE.