About Tracy

Tracy was born Jan. 17, 1960, in Elgin, to Donald and Peggy (Hillius) Arndt.

She graduated from Flasher High School, she obtained her associates degree in forestry from Bottineau College and she received a bachelor's degree in horticulture from North Dakota State University.

Tracy married Bruce Rittel on Sept. 4, 1982, in Mandan  Tracy and Bruce have two wonderful children.  Kelsey, the oldest, and Mariah, the youngest.

Tracy loved her family and was a loving and dedicated mother and wife. She was passionately involved with her two daughters’ soccer and proud of their accomplishments. Tracy never seemed to have a bad day, always friendly, smiling and ready to help. She was always providing little rays of sunshine just by her generous giving.  Tracy owned and operated Ken’s Flower Shop and Party Overboard for 15 years.  She was employed at Cashman’s Nursery as a greenhouse manager.  Tracy would go all out and even beyond to make sure people’s special events were extra special. That is how Tracy’s spent her life…going all out for all those around her.  Tracy’s family wants to honor her genial personality and to have her acts of generous giving and kindness continue to live on by establishing “Tracy's Sanctuary House” in her memory.  A house like Tracy would create; a house filled with joy, comfort, serenity, and love for those who need a place of sanctuary in their time of need.