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BORN
1965
DIED
2021
Scott Ritchey Obituary
Scott Alan Ritchey, 55, passed away peacefully on May 6th from complications of Lewy Body Dementia. He was surrounded by his loving family at the time of passing. He was born on November 26, 1965 to Tom and Diane Ritchey in Denver, Colorado. Scott was extremely active in his childhood and heavily into all sports. He attended St. Joseph's and St. Patrick's Seminary in Menlo Park, CA where he got his master's in theology and was ordained as a Catholic priest in 1994. He left the priesthood and followed his faith in a different direction becoming a Methodist minister. In 2006, Scott was able to fulfill his lifelong dream by starting The Justa Center serving 55 and older homeless adults. For ten years, Scott was able to achieve his goal of getting a homeless person per day into housing. Scott retired for medical reasons in 2017 and entered Halcyon Hospice May 2020. Scott died with 34 years of sobriety. He would say "all our solutions to our problems are found in the first 164 pages of the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous." Throughout his illness, Scott practiced three things: Surrender, Acceptance with Gentleness and Gratitude. Services will be held at First United Methodist Church in Phoenix, AZ, date to be determined. Check www.caringbridge.org/visit/scottritchey for updates. The last year of Scott's life was supported with tender loving care by an amazing team at Halcyon Hospice. He is survived by his wife, Laura, his parents, Tom and Diane and brother Aaron, his wife Laura and their 2 daughters, Asha and Ella. In lieu of flowers please send donations to The Justa Center, 1001 West Jefferson, Phoenix AZ. (justacenter.org)
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Memories and Condolences
for Scott Ritchey
6 Entries
merrill davison
March 31, 2025
Scott taught me everything I know about homelessness and much about the 12 steps.
Robert Barr
May 18, 2021
Scott Ritchey was so filled with the Spirit that it overflowed when he would welcome people at church. His charisma and positive outlook was what enticed me to return to church, having left as a teen. I joined ministries and became active in the church, something I would have never done without him as a mentor. I attribute it all to him. Thank you Scott. Rest in Peace.
Yolanda and Ken McDonald
May 17, 2021
We knew Scott when he became a priest at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Scottsdale leaving to be a Methodist minister. He was a young man full of his faith. Then he went on to his dream of the Justa Center which was great to get homeless off the street. Scott was a terrific man and we always enjoyed being in his company. He has surely crossed over to peace and in his short life, he dod much for many. Our deepest sympathy. Yolanda and Ken McDonald
Chaplain Tom Chapman FSJ
May 16, 2021
The world is a far far better place for Scott having dwelt with us on the planet. Rest well Good friend and colleague! May your memory be eternal! Happy Trails!!!!!
Bishop Chris Carpenter
May 16, 2021
I'm sad about the recent, premature death of my former fellow priest in the Diocese of Phoenix. Scott was ordained one year before me and we both left the Roman church around the same time. We were mutually supportive of each other during our time in ministry together and after we went our separate ways. Well done, good and faithful servant. Blessings of comfort and peace to his family and friends.
Adele Swan
May 15, 2021
So appreciate and love this man’s journey, values, vision, achieved sobriety and goal ms for homeless adults; what a very positive person and positive impact. He will missed and remembered by many.
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