1922
2015
BEREA - Jean Ritchie Pickow. 92, of Berea, KY and Port Washington, NY, passed away Monday, June 1. Beloved wife of the late George Pickow, Jean is survived by her brother Balis W. Ritchie, her sons Peter and Jonathan, and many loving nieces and nephews. Memorial gathering at Davis & Powell Funeral Home, 616 Chestnut Street, Berea, KY on Sun, June 7, 2-5pm. www.davisandpowellfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
I was sorry to learn of jeans passing. I want to convey my condolences and express my heartfelt sympathy to her family, friends and relatives.
Sheila Ewall
Other
January 25, 2024
I believe my mom worked for Jean in Dobbs Ferry, NY. I remember that my mom thought the world of her, when she introduced us Jean sang a song for me. I recall her voice was powerful and surprising in a great way. I felt like I was transported back in time to the green mountains of long ago. What a wonderful blessing. I also love how good she was to my mom, I like to think they have met up in heaven.
Mary Roth
Neighbor
June 21, 2021
Valenda Newell
December 1, 2016
I teach middle school science in Louisville. I play her Christmas carols for my students every year. What a talent.
May 21, 2016
SINGING FAMILY OF THE CUMBERLANDS is my all time favorite book [tied with JD Salinger's Nine Stories :)]
Much love always to you and your whole family.
PKPB Madison, WI
August 3, 2015
Sorry about your lost(Phillipians4:7)May the peace of God that surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts. D.H.Atl.GA.
June 16, 2015
rip
michelle plakas-kaiser
June 11, 2015
I have just come across your music through hearing it on the radio today. It instantly struck a chord with me. RIP and best wishes to your family from Amanda in England.
June 10, 2015
Thank you for introducing me to the world of dulcimers and folk music. You will be truly missed.
sam held
June 9, 2015
I will always remember going to Viper, Ky with my grandma when I was about 6 years old.
My grandma (Betty Owens) was a sister to Jean's mother Abigal. We were there for the Hall reunion.
Charles Ritchie
June 8, 2015
You were a distant cousin of mine that i never got to meet,but have heard your name mentioned through My Grandma,Mallie Stacy Ritchie,and My Mother,Norma Jean Ritchie,whom i understand was named after you. I fill so blessed to have such a Wonderful,Beautiful and Very Talented Relative in My blood line. Wish i could have met you in person,and gotten to know you!!! God Bless All Who Loved You,and May you Always Rest in Peace!!! Yor Cousin,Zillah Marie Bradley,Thompson
Zillah Bradley-Thompson
June 8, 2015
Rest in Peace
Scott Chamberland
June 7, 2015
Our world has become less grace-filled by your passing. I first met you, gracious lady, at a Newport Folk Festival and shared a version of Queen Jane you hadn't heard before. Over the years, you and George were guests in my home, gave concerts at the college where I taught, and I was blessed to share hospitality with one of your sons. Your gifts and memory have stayed with me since then, always influenced by your open graciousness and deep wisdom. You gave all of us much and you leave us richer for your having been in the world. My heartfelt condolences to George and your children and your extended family. You remain always in our prayers.
Signed, a fellow mountain woman and lover of our music and our ways
June 6, 2015
fond memories of your visit to our home and performances at our first Mt. Heritage Folk Festival, Greenup, Ky., 1970. You included me in a trio, with your dear sister Edna, and we sang "Pretty Saro." Remembering other visit to Ashland, and your singing of "Black Waters" soon after you composed it. Your singing, your beauty and grace have inspired me always--and will surely enrich the heavenly choir. With love,
Barbara Edwards Kunkle, 911 Lambert Drive, Bowling Green, Ohio 43402
Barbara Edwards Kunkle
June 6, 2015
Thank you for all your inspiration in learning to play the Appalachian mountain dulcimer and going on to build one of these instruments many years ago.
A lifelong student of Folk
June 5, 2015
My condolences to all friends and family. May God give you strength and peace. Phillipians 4:6,7
June 4, 2015
May her music live on for many years and I pray that God see you through this hardship. As promised in 1 Corinthians 10:13 "he makes the way out so that you may be able to endure it."
Krys G
June 4, 2015
I have not much to add after reading other entries in this guest book, well said, all. Well sung, well lived, well done, Jean.
Sandra Wattenberger
June 4, 2015
Peter, my condolences to you and your family on the passing of your mother. Your mother certainly did not put her light under a bushel basket but in a high place from which she illuminated many lives including my own. We are grateful for the gifts she shared with us.
Ed Sheehy
June 4, 2015
I would like to offer my deepest condolences for your loss. May your family find peace and comfort in knowing sickness, pain and death will one day be gone for this has been promised.
June 4, 2015
May the God of all comfort bless the family with strength and peace in this time of sorrow.
June 4, 2015
On behalf of the Louisville Dulcimer Society we send our condolences to Jean's family and many friends. She was a shining example to our Club sharing the simple beauty of the mountain dulcimer and the messages of the simple life through her songs. She definitely made an impact in saving the folk music heritage. Through her love of mountain music, the dulcimer has achieved new heights with many musicians exposing the many talents of the instrument.
June 4, 2015
She sings with the angels now.
L. Barrett
June 4, 2015
So very sad to hear of the passing of such a legend, people of viper KY still remember her and her old homeplace still stands. May her family be comforted by the hand of our Savior. Condolences from Richard B. And Ronda Combs.
Ronda and Richard B. Combs
June 4, 2015
Every time we share your music, every time we teach another, we light new candles from your flame. The brightness you brought into the world will continue to glow.
Jan Potts
June 3, 2015
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
June 3, 2015
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
G Williams
June 3, 2015
A fine musician. Truly, "mother of folk". Say "Hi" to Pete for us.
June 3, 2015
I am sorry for your loss. May the peace of God be with you. Jean will be missed by all.
June 3, 2015
What an inspiration Jean you have made in the dulcimer community, your music will live for ever. Now you can play in heaven with all the other great music artist like your self. Rest in Peace Jean.
Cindy MacBurney
June 3, 2015
I am so sadden to hear of the passing of your mom. I was a huge fan of hers and still remember the day at St Mary's Church at the Univ of Penn that I got to meet her and she sat down after the concert and show me how to play Soldiers Joy and Sugar on the Floor. Every time I play my dulcimer out I include those songs. A true American icon she was the Robert Burns of the 20th century. She will be missed but her memories will live on. Rest in peace in the hollow of mystic songs.
Steve Neptune
June 3, 2015
My sincere condolences for the loss of a good, talented human being. She never gave up in life as a woman and left us with an inspirational legacy. Hebrews 13:5- Our Heavenly Father understands your circumstances and can grant you inner peace, and the strength you need to deal with your loss.
June 3, 2015
So sorry for your loss. My condolences for the family and frends.
T. Davis Nashville, TN
June 3, 2015
Sorry for your loss. Psalm 90:10
June 3, 2015
I am so sorry to learn of Jean's passing. I still have cassettes of her singing and playing the dulcimer and she inspired me to teach myself to play the instrument many years ago. One of her younger sisters was married to my great uncle Floyd Baker. She was so talented and lived a full successful life, influencing so many other musicians. May she rest in peace. My condolences to her family.
Beverly Rymer Sherer
June 3, 2015
What a wonderful voice, you made many people very happy. Rest easy.
Greg Peters
June 2, 2015
In God's care rest in peace
Dwayne Bickham,Sr.
June 2, 2015
What folksinger is not indebted to Jean Ritchie? The phrase comes to mind: How can I keep from singing?Thank you Jean. Godspeed.
Jennifer Taylor-Ide
June 2, 2015
We'll miss you!
Adrian Barnette
June 2, 2015
Was fortunate to had heard her live.
George Kirby
June 2, 2015
Sorry for your loss. May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times spent together with Jean. Draw close to GOD and he will draw close to you.
June 2, 2015
Was just reading about this incredibly talented lady in an Alan Lomax biography this past weekend. Alan obviously thought a lot of her music, and a lot of the woman.
Jean's loved ones should take solace in the full life she led.
SPH
June 2, 2015
I would like to express my sincere condolences to the family of Jea. She will be missedmissed dearly. May the God of all comfort,comfort you during this time with his promise to ressurect our loved ones some day. Know that I am thinking of your family an am keeping you in my prayers.
IM
Iola
June 2, 2015
B Hatton
June 2, 2015
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Davis & Powell Funeral Home, LLC616 Chestnut Street, Berea, KY 40403
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