Mary Lou Ritchey

Mary Lou Ritchey, age 86, of Newark, passed away on August 8, 2026, peacefully with her family by her side. Mary was born on August 31, 1939, in Newark to the late Roy and Louise (Bline) Winter.

She retired from Nationwide Insurance after 30 years of dedicated service. A lifelong member of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, she found great joy in giving back to her church and community, volunteering her time with various church charities, including the clothing closet. She had a true love for gardening and took great pride in planting and tending to her flowers, finding happiness in watching them bloom.

In her younger years, she enjoyed square dancing with her husband, bowling with her family, and gathering around the table for a friendly game of cards. She treasured the simple moments spent with the people she loved and created many wonderful memories throughout the years. Her kindness, generous spirit, and love for her family will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her children, Paul Rithchey, Roy Ritchey and Jean Ritchey; grandchildren, Grant and Amber Ritchey; brother, David (Kathy) Winter; In-laws, Grace Winter, Roseanne (Tom) Sullivan and Mary Francis Ritchey.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Paul Eugene Ritchey; siblings, Fred (Evelyn) Winter, Harriett (Robert) Clark, Sherley (Albert) Ashbrook, and Minnie (Richard) Field.

The family will receive friends on Monday, August 17, 2026, from 5 – 7 pm at the Brucker and Kishler Funeral Home. Her service will be held on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at 11 at the St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, 2569 Mt. Vernon Road, Newark, Ohio 43055, with Rev. Varney Yarkpazuo Sr. Burial will immediately follow in Wilson Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Mary’s name to the American Cancer Society. 

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