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Stephen Ritchie Obituary
Our beloved Stephen left this world peacefully in the early hours Wednesday, May 4th, 2011 at the age of 62. He was born November 25th, 1948 in Bakersfield, CA to Harvey and Arlene Ritchie. Stephen was raised in a large family that included five siblings. Many memorable times were spent at the family cabin in Camp Nelson. Stephen completed his undergraduate degree at the University of California Santa Barbara. He attended medical school at Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara Medical School and graduated from the University of California Medical School at Irvine in 1978. Internship and Residency were completed at Good Samaritan Hospital and Medical Center in Portland, OR. Stephen moved to Arizona in 1981. A highly respected member of the medical community, he was on staff at Scottsdale Healthcare Osborn and served in numerous positions, including six years as Chairman of the Department of Medicine, four years as Chairman of the Credential Committee and, most recently, serving as President Elect, President and Past President of Medical Staff. Stephen was also recognized five times over by Phoenix Magazine as a "Top Doc" and Best Doctors in America 1998-2010. A great listener, Stephen was dedicated to his patients always showing compassion, sensitivity and a gentle humor. In 2000 Stephen met his love, Julie. They married in 2002 blending their families. A humble man, Stephen's passions were simple: family, friends, books, the outdoors, flannel shirts and a good scotch. Later in life Stephen discovered his talent for music, learning to play the viola and performing with the Scottsdale Community College Orchestra. Stephen is survived by his wife Julie Cirelli, children Parker Hall-Ritchie, Taylor Hall-Ritchie, Landwyn Hall-Ritchie, and his "sunshine" grand-daughter Hailey, step-daughters Marissa and Corinne Klapper, siblings Michael Ritchie, Kathleen Stevenson (Allen), Mary Anne Ritchie, Leanne Belden (Scott), John Ritchie (Amy), numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. Stephen was deeply loved and will be missed by all whose lives he touched. Visitation will be held Tuesday, May 10th from 5-8pm at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, AZ. Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, May 11th at 1pm at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 3801 N. Miller Rd, Scottsdale, AZ. Reception immediately following. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Scottsdale Healthcare Foundation.
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Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Ritchie
Sponsored by Terry Valentine.
Bill Amberg
May 2, 2021
Has it really been ten years? I suppose so and I don't recall my previous comments. These will likely be redundant, because I'm sure I recall Dr. Ritchie now, as I did then. He was empathetic and kind. He invariably showed that he cared about me, as I'm sure he cared for all his other patients. We had personal discussions in his office around his desk. I always left energized and uplifted. I had the chance to ask about his music and his music lessons. Somehow I also knew of his health challenges too, especially after he took a short leave of absence, before resuming his practice. I think of Dr. Ritchie (and his office staff) almost every time I encounter another health professional. He was the cream of the crop professionally, and even more so personally. May he continue to rest in peace, as I know his legacy by example will continue to live on in the lives of his family, friends, and patients like me.
Patricia Fisher
May 18, 2011
What a loss to our community is Dr. Ritchie's passing. I had lost touch with the family for about 10 years but previous to that I had been his children's in-home music teacher. It was with great joy that every week Dr. Ritchie would leave practice for a short time to return home to take lessons with me on his viola. I will never forget one Christmas Eve when I stopped by to deliver little Christmas presents to his three kids and saw him thru the class standing beside his Christmas tree playing carols on his viola. He was also my stand partner in Scottsdale Community College's Orchestra for a time. Somehow, making music together can create a bond, but probably a different sort than that most reminisce here about--the doctor/patient relationship. Those days with Dr. Ritchie
will always be one of my life's high points.
Shelia (Estes) Reading
May 14, 2011
I am sad to hear of Stephen's passing. His grandmother Aura Ritchie was my aunt, my dad's oldest sibling. I haven't seen the family since her death. I have fond memories of spending a few Christmas dinners together. My prayers go out to his family and siblings.
Anne McNamara
May 11, 2011
I was sad to hear of Steve's passing. I had the privilege of working with him on the SHC board of directors. He will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Lori DeFine
May 11, 2011
I am so saddened to hear of Dr. Ritchie's passing. I had the pleasure of working with him for many years at Scottsdale Healthcare-Osborn caring for many of his patients. He was kind, caring, a wonderful listener, and his compassion knew no limits. He is a physician that touched the lives of everyone he came in contact with patients, Nursing staff, and fellow Doctors. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, office staff, and patients. I am sure he is a special angel that now watches over us all.
God Bless you Dr. Ritchie. Lori DeFine
Bill Amberg
May 11, 2011
I was "just a patient" of Dr. Ritchie, for 18 years. No one, however, was ever just his patient. Anyone in his presence was the most important person in his universe at the time. He never seemed rushed or impatient. He always had time for questions and discussion.
It goes without saying that he was a wonderful Doc. Coming to his office was a pleasure.
His employees reflected his attributes. They were proficient, friendly, and patient.
This was a gentle man in the very nicest and best sense of the word. I'm sure he will be missed by all who knew him; most certainly by me.
Debbie Knoepfel
May 11, 2011
Dr. Ritchie was my doc for nearly 22 years. During that time, he was not only my doctor, but became my friend. I valued his opinion on many, many things greatly. I know that I, both as a patient & staff member in the Scotsdale Healthcare system, will miss Dr. Ritchie deeply. Many blessings to Mrs. Ritchie & his extended family during this time of loss.
susan lieberman
May 10, 2011
I remember Dr Ritchie's sweet quiet disposition and gentle soft smile. We liked talking and giggling about food and the crazy stuff on the food network. My condolences to his family. Susan Lieberman
May 10, 2011
We are devasted by the passing of this exceptional human being and physican. My husband and I were were both patients of Dr. Ritchie. We are so very grateful for his care and concern for our well being these 20+ years. He always took the time to listen to our concerns. Thank you for being part of our life. Our thoughts and prayes are with his family at this sorrowful time. God Bless.
Linda and Hal Wilson, Tempe Arizona
Judy Loker
May 10, 2011
My husband and I feel that we were so very fortunate to have been under Dr. Ritchie's care.
I remember this one time when he called me; I had been awaiting the result of a biopsy test done by another Dr. Dr. Ritchie called, saying: "Judy, I know you are just sitting there, worrying & thinking that the test result must be bad and the other doctor isn't calling you until next week, so I got the results for you.... "It is negative!!!.
What a kind man...going the extra mile time over time, Thank you, God for Dr. Ritchie's coming across my path in life. Our thoughts and prayers are with both he, and his loved ones.
Dunlock
May 10, 2011
My last memory of Dr. Ritchie will be of him sitting on my mother's bed in the hospital, listening to her concerns regarding her condition, engaging in banter about the days events and both of them agreeing that ones life should be spent living it to the fullest and sharing your life with those who love you. Upon her death our family thanked Dr. Ritchie for allowing my mother to meet all her wishes and we hope his family knows that he promoted the health and welfare of so many others like her. He was a good man.
Joyce Sterling
May 10, 2011
We were so very sorry to hear about Dr. Ritchie's death. He was definitely one of the really good people. If you were lucky enough to be his patient, you will most likely always hold him up as the example against which you judge all other doctors. The family is in our prayers.
Carol, Douglas, and Sean McGrew
May 10, 2011
Douglas, Sean and I would like to send our condolences to Julie, and his children at this sad time. The world lost a special doctor, husband, and father along with a great doctor. He was always kind, knowlegeable and shown interest in everyone he came involved with. Praise the Lord for all that he did for medicine, his patients, and his family. He will truly be missed by everyone.
Helen Brackley
May 9, 2011
I am saddened by the news of Stephen's death; we were high school friends. Steve was a true original; kind, witty, bright and elegant and one who could always make me laugh. My condolences to his family and to all who knew and loved him.
Michael Stegman, DPM
May 9, 2011
I had the pleasure of knowing Steve for over 27 years and participated in the care of many of his patients. Steve was always gentle and caring, and all of his patients loved him. Each of his patients commented on what a good and compassionate doctor he was. He will truly be missed by everyone whose lives he touched.
Michael & Sharon Murphy
May 9, 2011
We are saddened to hear of Dr. Ritchie's passing and extend our sympathy to his family. He cared for both of our parents and without a doubt added years to their lives through is skill and compassion.
Stacey Kelly
May 9, 2011
I had the pleasure of knowing and working with Dr Ritchie for more than 10yrs. He always had a smile and a gentle tone...Grace under pressure. His patients loved him and we loved him. We will miss you greatly!
Mary Kay Lininger
May 9, 2011
We have lost a delightful and talented member of our music family in SCC Orchestra. May Dr. Ritchie have Eternal Memory.
Stephen Bishop DVM
May 9, 2011
Having been a patient of Dr. Ritchie the past twenty years it was very disheartening to hear of his passing. He was extremely compassionate, caring, and an excellent internist. His ability to really take time with his patients is extremely rare in the medical field. I actually learned from him some techniques in communication and medical record keeping. We will all miss him and we were very blessed to have known him during his lifetime. My deepest sympathy to his family and his staff.
Frank Gundry
May 9, 2011
I am saddened to hear of Stephen's death, certainly too soon for his family and friends. I went to high school with Stephen and always appreciated his character, humor and friendship. I send my condolences and blessings to his family, friends and colleagues.
Darlene Wedington-Clark
May 8, 2011
I was deeply saddened to hear of Dr. Stephen Ritchie's death. I had the honor of being his orchestra director for the past four years. He enjoyed playing the viola every Thursday night at Scottsdale Community College. He will be sorely missed by his orchestra family. Stephen was a very kind and gentle man. He always had a smile that could light up the room. My condolences to his family.
Carlene Baldosser
May 8, 2011
Both my husband and I had the pleasure of having Dr. Ritchie as our doctor. He was a very caring and gracious man. We both feel that Dr. Ritchie was the best doctor that we ever had. He will be missed, the world was a better place because of Dr. Ritchie. Our sincere condolences to both his family and office staff. Sincerely, Tom and Carlene Baldosser
Debbie Petras
May 8, 2011
I was so saddened to hear of Dr. Ritchie's death. I worked with him at Scottsdale Healthcare (Osborn) for many years. My husband was a patient of his. He was so kind and always made time to listen. He will be greatly missed. My condolences to his family.
Carolyn Hall Young
May 8, 2011
Stephen is brilliant and beautiful, compassionate and fun, loyal and loving, intuitive and informed, AND he has a magical, playful soul. What a fine friend, what a good man, what a loss.
Our hearts are with his family and friends. We all loved him so much, and will miss his generous spirit. I imagine that heaven welcomes him with the kind of huge love he gave to each of us.
With love,
Warren and Carolyn Hall Young
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Pat Struebel
May 8, 2011
To his family and office staff: I am so sorry to read of his passing. He was my physician for many years & there's none like him. He was patient, a good listener, had wonderful bedside manner, and never made you feel rushed or short-changed of his time. It was always nice to see his smile when he passed you in the hospital hallways. He will be miss by anyone who knew him. God Bless you all during this time of grief.
May 8, 2011
Goodbye dear cousin. Though time has passed many years, I will always remember, with fondness, the chaotic Christmas Day family get togethers we had as kids. May God be with sibblings and immediate family, friends and patients... Saundra [Bedore] Dorsey
Terry Valentine
May 8, 2011
Stephen was a gentleman, a dedicated physician and a devoted husband, father and grandfather. Sincerest condolences to his loving family.
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