Betty L. Ritchie-Birrer

1925 - 2017

Betty L. Ritchie-Birrer 1925 - 2017
Springfield, IL—Betty Lou Ritchie-Birrer, of Springfield, IL, passed away at Memorial Medical Center on September 27, 2017, after a brief illness.
Betty was born September 3, 1925 in Maroa, IL, the daughter of Russell C. and Bernice (Davis) Stoutenborough. She married Charles L. Ritchie on December 22, 1946, and he preceded her in death in 1995. She later married Dr. Ivan J. Birrer (Col., ret.) on May 12, 1997, and he survives.
After graduating from Maroa High School, Betty matriculated at Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, IL where she became a dedicated member of Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority. In the more than 70 years since, she has generously given back to the University with gifts to the sorority, building programs, and endowed student scholarships. She was scheduled to receive the 2017 Illinois Wesleyan University Loyalty Award. In addition, Betty served for many years in leadership and volunteer work with Alpha Gamma Delta, Westminster Presbyterian Church, founding the Women's Association of the Capital City Chapter of Professional Engineers, Memorial Medical Center in Springfield, IL, honorary membership in Sigma Phi Epsilon Literary Society at Illinois College, and the TIKI Condominium Homeowners Association at South Padre Island, TX.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Charles G. Stoutenborough; nephew, Richard L. Stoutenborough; and stepson, Ivan J. Birrer II.
She is survived by her husband, Dr. Ivan J. Birrer; son, Stephen A. Ritchie (Marygene) of Cantrall, IL; daughter, Leslie J. Ritchie Musch, of Springfield; and stepbrothers, Col. Warren (Billie) Meyer of Satellite Beach, FL and James (Beverly) Meyer of Minonk, IL. She is also survived by grandchildren, Jonathan (Sara E.) Musch of Glen Carbon, IL, Sarah J. Musch of Springfield, Kimberly Ritchie Murr of Sugar Grove, IL, and Christopher (fiancée, Cheryl Case) Ritchie of Atlanta, IL. Betty loved to read with her five great-grandchildren, Ryan and Brandon Murr and Jackson, Elena, and Charlie Musch. Other survivors include Penny Birrer of Brownsburg, IN; step-grandchildren, Kara Birrer of Orlando, FL, Dr. Stephen (Michelle) Birrer of Zionsville, IN, Deborah (Tony) Arnold of Alexander City, AL, Lori (Reid) Guy of Petal, MS, David (Xuan) Birrer of Indianapolis, IN, Molly Birrer of Lawrence, KS, and Timothy Birrer of Avon, IN; and two step-great-grandchildren, Hayley and Landon Birrer. She is also survived by cousins, nieces and nephews.
Visitation: Family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Monday, October 2, 2017 at Boardman-Smith Funeral Home, 800 South Grand Avenue West, Springfield.
Funeral Ceremony: 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 3, 2017 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 533 S. Walnut Street, Springfield with The Rev. Dr. Blythe Denham Kieffer officiating.
Private family burial will be held at Camp Butler National Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Westminster Presbyterian Church, 533 S. Walnut, Springfield, IL 62704.
Please visit boardmansmith.com to offer your condolences.