Gladys Ritchie

Gladys R. Ritchie, 82 of Alliance passed away on Friday, March 11, 2011 at Crandall Medical Center in Sebring. Mrs. Ritchie was born in Chillicothe, Ohio on July 18, 1928 the daughter of the late James C. and Isabella (Cobbs) Smith; she was a graduate of Sebring High School and worked as a cook in the West Branch School District for 25 years. Gladys was a member of the North Benton Presbyterian Chruch, where she was very active in the Sunday school and Bible School programs; many people throughout her years remember receiving a kind letter or words of encouragement from her in her many writings. She enjoyed being involved with the Concern in Sebring and also holding a Carnival in her backyard for over 20 years to help raise awareness and funds for MDA. Survivors include her husband R. Jerry Ritchie whom she married on October 30, 1946 of Alliance, her four children; Diana Dicks of Alliance, Robert (Carole) Ritchie of Alliance, Ron (Brenda) Ritchie of Beloit and Linda (Joe) Schnorr of Knoxville, TN. She is also survived by 7 grandchildren; Rob Eckley, Robert Ritchie Jr., Michael Ritchie, Justin Ritchie, Brooke Day, Brian Dicks, Aaron Dicks, 9 great grandchildren, three brothers; Paul Smith, David Smith, Herbert Smith, and 4 sisters; Evelyn Shreve, Dorothy Chapman, Patsy Ruhl-Rhome, and Rose Marie Hughes. Besides her parents she was preceded in death by a daughter Brenda Lee Ritchie, 2 brothers Rolland Smith, Robert Smith, and two sisters Marie Smith and Mary Spencer. A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, March 15th at 11AM at the North Benton Presbyterian Church with Rev. Tom Sawyer officiating. Friends may call at Gednetz-Ruzek funeral home on Monday from 2-8 PM with the family present from 6-8PM and the half hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday.. Burial will take place at Grandview Cemetery in Sebring. Memorial contributions can be made in Gladys’ honor to Muscular Dystrophy Association. Arrangements are by Gednetz-Ruzek funeral home in Sebring. Friends may send condolences and sign the guest register online at www.grfuneralhome.com.

---