By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
A Decatur business in operation for 46 years has closed its doors.
Ritter’s Flowers & Gifts officially closed Saturday, December 30, then held a week-long sale of remaining merchandise.
The shop at the intersection of Washington, Second and Fifth streets, was a neighborhood grocery story for many years.
Jim and Katy Ritter bought the Miller’s Grocery building and inventory in September of 1977 for their daughters, Tami Miller and Teri Wemhoff.
The inventory was sold, then the families had the place remodeled into a flower shop. Opening day for Ritter’s Flowers was in December of that year.
Teri Wemhoff decided to change careers in 1988, so Tami and her husband, Max, purchased the business and building, closing the deal in February of 1989.
Tami Miller says she is looking forward to retirement and wishes to thank her many loyal customers that helped make Ritter’s Flowers & Gifts successful for so many years.
Max – who along with Tami owns and operates Monster Pizza in downtown Decatur – said the Millers have several people interested in renting the building.