Mary Jane Ritchie JOHANN

JOHANN, Mary Jane Ritchie, 88, died October 26, 2009 after a lengthy illness. She was born November 16, 1920 at "Moss Side," her grandparents' Ginter Park home. She was the daughter of George Gordon Ritchie and Katherine Dabney Ritchie. After her mother's death, her father married Mary Skeen Ritchie, a beloved second mother. She is survived by her husband of 66 years, William Henry Johann Jr.; a son, William H. Johann III and his wife, Sheila, of Richmond; daughters, Katherine J. Woodard of Richmond, Bruce J. Muller-Thym and her husband, Harry, of Darlington, Md., and Jane J. Gresham and her husband, Dick, of Norfolk, Va.; a sister, Bruce Ritchie Spain of Richmond; seven grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by brothers, George G. Ritchie Jr. and Henry Skeen Ritchie. Mrs. Johann graduated from Richmond's Thomas Jefferson High School and Farmville Teachers College (Longwood University). She was a devout Christian involved in church, Bible studies and loving service to others. She was also interested in family history and research, enjoying membership in the Clopton Family Association and the Jamestowne Society. She was especially fond of travel, music, wildlife and nature, and participating in alumni functions for her college as well as her husband's VMI. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, October 30, 2009 at the Parham Chapel, Woody Funeral Home, 1771 N. Parham Rd. Her funeral service will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, October 31, 2009 at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, 1101 Forest Ave., Richmond. Interment Hollywood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Richmond SPCA or F.L.A.G. (For the Love of Animals in Goochland), the VMI Foundation or Bon Secours Hospice of Richmond. The family expresses deep appreciation to the staff of Elizabeth Adam Crump Golden Life Center. Condolences may be registered at www.mem.com.


This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.