Richard M. Ritchie

September 27, 1955 - March 2, 2015

Richard M. Ritchie, 59, of Rochester, died Monday, March 2, 2015, at his residence. He was born Sept. 27, 1955, in Chicago, to Herschel and Beulah (Smith) Ritchie. He was married to Jean Dennis Johnson. Richard was a heavy machine operator for Miller Farm Drainage. He was involved with the 4-H Horse and Pony Club, supporting his daughter and continuing on for many years after her involvement. Survivors include his daughter, Jennifer and husband Rick Thompson, Rochester; grandchildren Mackenzie, Shane, Parker and Courtney; mother Beulah Ritchie, Ellijay, Ga.; sisters Sheila Wright, Ellijay, Ga., and Lola Mercer, Bunker Hill; brothers Herschel and wife Jane Ritchie, Spring Valley, Ohio, Jim and wife Phyllis Ritchie, Macy, Lloyd and Kathy Ritchie, Bowersville, Ohio, Bill and wife Denise Ritchie, Ohio, David and wife Shawn Ritchie, Ellijay, Ga., and Doug Ritchie, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his father, Herschel Ritchie, and his brother, Buddy. His funeral service is 11 a.m. Saturday, March 7, 2015, at First Baptist Church of Mentone, 206 S. Oak St., with Pastor Michael Wilhite officiating. Arrangements are entrusted to Hartzler Funeral Home, 305 W. Rochester St., Akron.