Frank William Ritchey's Obituary
Frank William Ritchey of Leesburg, Florida passed away on Friday, January 13, 2017 at the age of 82 years. Frank was born April 18, 1934 in Aitch, Pennsylvania to Florence Garner. He was adopted by his great aunt Rachel Garner Ritchey. He attended Letourneau University in Longview, Texas where he graduated with an Associate’s degree in Welding Engineering. While attending college, he met and after graduating, married the love of his life, Paula (Polly) Reid in 1955. From there they moved to Benton Harbor, Michigan where he began work for Clark Equipment Company’s Construction Machinery Division as a welder in the engineering lab, building and testing Michigan loaders. He later became Senior Test Engineer and also traveled with their international division. After a move to Ohio with Volvo VME, they retired to Florida in 1991. He loved God and family, golf, hunting, boating, travel, being a good friend and making people smile. He was married for 61 years to Polly, who survives along with son Lynn Alan Ritchey (Judy Dokey) of Niles, Michigan, daughter, Lea Ann Elliott (Peter), of East Jordan, Michigan, 5 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, Kirk William Ritchey, in 2012. A celebration of Frank’s life will take place Sunday, January 22 at 3 PM, at First United Methodist Church, 600 W. Ianthe Street, Tavares, Florida, 32778. Arrangements have been entrusted to Steverson, Hamlin & Hilbish Funerals and Cremations, 226 E. Burleigh Blvd., Tavares, FL 32778, (352)343-4444. Online condolences may be left on the Tribute Wall. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Tavares Hospice House, 2445 Lane Park Rd.,Tavares, FL, 32778 or First United Methodist Church of Tavares.
“I have fought the good fight; I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:7) “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13)
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