Dora Kramer retires, final movie showing this weekend

It was an emotional decision for Dora Kramer and her family, but they are ending their tenure as the operators of The New Ritz Theatre.

The clan will show its final movie this weekend — Monsters University.

The family mailed a letter announcing its intent to terminate their lease to the Ritzville Downtown Development Association on June 18.

Monday, Kramer told The Journal, the family has moved most of its property out of the theatre and will completely vacate it by July 19.

“My health is kind of getting the better of me,” Kramer said. “I just thoroughly loved my work. That theater has been a lifesaver for me. I enjoyed it. I loved the people. But my strength is gone.”

Kramer said other family members have increasingly busy schedules as well, making it a challenge to operate the theater, which she said is a labor of love rather than a profitable business venture.

“I am over 75. I lost my husband two years ago, I am a three year cancer survivor and the kids are busy,” she said. “I need my health and they need family time.”

The RDDA became the owner of the vintage theater late last year, when Herb Benzel donated the property to the nonprofit organization in hopes it can attract contributions to make the expensive upgrade to a digital projection system. The group is currently accepting contributions and searching for potential grant funding.

“We are sad to see the Kramer family leave the New Ritz Theatre. They have been a longstanding tradition in the entertainment scene in Ritzville and will be greatly missed,” the RDDA stated in an email to The Journal. “The RDDA board is working toward a solution to make sure movies continue showing on the weekends as quickly as possible. We’re working on transitioning to a new theater operator with minimal down time and will continue with the digital conversion project as well as the restoration.”