September 25, 1939 ~ December 20, 2013
Resided in:
Hemet, CA
Jean Dee Ritchie, an 11 year resident of Hemet, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 20, 2013 in Torrance at the age of 74. She passed away surrounded by her children and in their arms at her daughter's home.
Born in Inglewood, CA and a long time resident of Torrance where she raised her seven children, 24 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews who considered her Nana. She was her children's and her grandchildren's #1 fan and you could faithfully find her cheering at both AYSO and West Torrance Little League.
A huge Dodgers fan, who loved Dodgers stadium. She enjoyed camping, RVing, the outdoors or anywhere she could find her boys. Jean was an avid bowler who bowled at Gable House for many years and once bowled a 300! There are many that would remember her as the neighborhood Avon lady.
We will remember her as a Matriarch to a legion of Ritchie's, a lover of children, chef to the neighborhood, a faithful wife of 57 years, Jean, Jeanie, Auntie, Grandma, Nana, mentor, provider, host, our rock, our north star, our candle in the window, Mom.
Jean is survived by husband, Kenneth Ritchie of Torrance, Ca; son, Dave Ritchie of Torrance, CA and daughter-in-law Nita; son Frank Ritchie of Westminster CA and daughter-in-law Jeanette; son Phil Ritchie of Torrance, CA and daughter-in-law Marybeth; son Randy Ritchie of Torrance, CA; son Lance Ritchie of Canyon Lake, CA and daughter-in-law Donna; daughter, Kendra Ritchie of Torrance, CA; and son, Wayne Ritchie of Sherwood, OR. She was preceded in death by parents, Dolphus and Kathleen Simmons.
The Service will be held at Rice Mortuary on January 4, 2014 at 9:30 am. A reception follows in Rice's Lighthouse Room until 12:30 pm. Burial will be private.
Tribute Video
Guestbook
Rest in Peace Mom ….Love You
My sweet, sweet neighbor. I will miss you so much. You’ll always be in my heart.
Since I was 15 I always looked forward to the Ritchie xmas. After grandma passed you kept it going. My kids and grandkids will never forget all the great times at your house at xmas and the easter parties. We all love you so much and will miss you. You were such a great women that will be truly missed. Until we meet again…..
I’m missing my aunt so much. Things I loved about her she opened her heart to everyone. She had so much love for everyone. Family was everything to her. I loved the parties at her house in Torrance. I will never ever forget you aunt. You have been through so much these last few years. I love you and my heart aches for you. Til I see you again.
Jean was a wonderful grandmother. We remember her at the little league field in Torrance. She was a great part of the teams support (family). She will be missed. Thoughts and prayers to the family. The Porter family!!!
I’m So Sorry Ritchie Family for your Great Loss! My heart is heavy for you all I understand the pain you all feel Too Well…. Do the best you can together, be good to each other and think of The Good memories until you meet again!
I’m So Sorry about your Mom Dave….
I always admired Aunt Jeanie, she was so humble, patient and truely loved all of her family members. I will always be so greatful for her the time I was able to spend with her. A true insperation to all who knew her.I love you all. Shirley Lynn
My thoughts
and prayers are with the entire Ritchie family at this time! There are endless
things to say about such a wonderful lady, just knowing Jeanie was an honor,
and the love you felt when she was around was so beautiful! I will cherish all
the wonderful memories, and I will miss you dearly!
My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Ritchie family at this time! There are endless things to say about such a wonderful women, just knowing Jeanie was an honor, and the love you felt when she was in a room was so beautiful! I will cherish all the wonderful memories, and I will miss you dearly!
Heaven promises us loving reunions with those already there, as your heart holds hard to that promise, may you know God’s true peace which passes all understanding. We are very sorry to hear of Jeanie’s passing. She will be missed by everyone who knew her. Praying for the Ritchie family. Love, Peggy Norman, DC & Deb Taylor, Donna Britt & Douglas & Kathleen Norman
R.I.P Mrs. Ritchie
My brother Robert and I always felt welcome in your home. You raised a fantastic, loving family, and you will be missed.
May the entire Ritchie family find peace and solitude in your time of grief.
Alan Franks
I was so sorry to hear Jeanie’s passing! Y’all are in our thoughts and prayers! Praying for peace and comfort! Love you always and forever LaRue
My dear Jeannie, Oh how I miss you today! I went in your yard & watered your flowers today, somehow it made me feel better about losing you. You were such a great friend to me & Evan. You’ll always be in our hearts. Love you
I miss my mother-in-law. She was kind, loving and humble. She was a
special, selfless person who loved her family with all her heart. Her life was
full of loving deeds. The world was a better place with her in it. I will miss
her deeply, and be forever grateful to her for being my mom and loving me
unconditionally for the past 29 years. RIP Mom. “Our love for you is not written
on paper, for it can be erased. Nor is our love for you etched in stone, for
stone can be broken. But our love for you is inscribed in our hearts, where it
shall remain forever.”
Rest in peace Jean. We remember watching your family grow each year when your Christmas card came. You will be missed and remembered as a kind and loving part of our family, always sweet and kind to everyone. Love to all~~James & Billie Norman