Obituary of Beverly Jean Ritchey

Beverly Jean Ritchey of Deland FL and Ebensburg PA passed away peacefully in the home of her daughter, Kimberly on February 5, 2025, at the age of 92. She was born April 21, 1932, the daughter of the late Joseph C. Robinson and Nell L. (Ramsey) Robinson. She graduated from Portage High School in 1950 and married the late Eldon Ritchey, the love of her life. She thought he was “the handsomest man in Portage”. During their 70 year marriage they raised four children in Cresson PA. Beverly is survived by her sister Sally (Robinson) Winder (George), daughters, Paula Dickert (William) and Kimberly Ferguson (Larry) and sons, Scott Ritchey (Imogene) and Todd Ritchey (Frances); 12 grandchildren Krista, Ryan, Jason, Wyatt, Ian, Thea, Ryleigh, Francesca, Alexa, Marisa, Jayden and Colton. As well as 17 great grandchildren. She had no favorites, only those she was with at the time. 

Beverly and Eldon moved to Florida in 1980 but summers found them back in PA to spend time with family and friends. They had homes in Daytona and New Smyrna Beaches and enjoyed 16 years in The Villages before returning to their roots in Ebensburg in 2016. When Eldon passed away in 2020, their son Todd and his wife built an apartment in their home for her until the warmth of FL called again. 

While Eldon strived to increase the family assets, Beverly was devoted to caring for her family. Her home was so clean you could eat from the floors and every evening found the family gathered for dinner at the dining room table. She loved to laugh, play cards, lunch out and gather family and friends into her home and heart. Her son Scott said that her “super power” was making people smile…. whether she met them in an elevator or Grand Villa, Deland FL, an assisted living facility where she lived for almost two years. When she needed more care Kim and her husband welcomed her into their home where she spent the last six months of her life surrounded by family.

Wherever Beverly was she made her way with a smile and an open heart. She was a good friend, had many and kept them for a lifetime. She was a great story teller and shared them so often we thought to number them. But numbers weren’t enough and we loved  to hear them because her laughter was so contagious she’d have us all in tears. 

Beverly believed from an early age that God walked with her every day of her life. She taught Sunday School for many years at the Cresson Methodist Church. Her large Bible was well worn because that’s what happens when you read it everyday for fifty years. Her resilience and overwhelming love for Jesus has inspired us all. 

We were profoundly blessed to have Beverly’s deep love, support, laughter and wisdom there for us throughout her long life. With contentment, gratitude and grace she entered the Kingdom to come. We mourn her, honor her, and hold her in our hearts until we meet again. 

Friends are invited to a gathering on March 7, 2025 at the Askew-Houser Funeral Homes Inc., Ebensburg PA from 2:00pm until the time of brief  memorial service at 3:00pm,  Pastor Ashley Weyant officiating.

Beverly was a faithful contributor to St Jude Hospital and The Shriners. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your favorite charity in Beverly’s name. Condolences may be left for the family at www.askew-houser.com