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BORN
1933
DIED
2022
Don Ritchey Obituary
July 3, 1933 - July 23, 2022
Modesto, California - Don Lee Ritchey peacefully passed away July 23, 2022 at the age of 89 in Modesto, Ca with his loving family by his side. Don was born July 3, 1933 to parents Tommy and Ethel Ritchey in Oklahoma. When Don was 2 years old, the family moved to California. Don grew up in the Escalon and Modesto area. He was a well-known and respected man; Don never met a stranger. Don had a wonderful life with his beloved wife, Lillian. Don and Lillian shared a love for antique cars, they even owned the Antique Auto Museum in Escalon. They enjoyed traveling to antique car shows dressed in their vintage attire and enjoying every day loving each other. Don and Lillian, a true love for eternity.
Don is preceded in death by his beautiful wife, Lillian Genseal-Ritchey; his brother's, Harley and Dale Ritchey. Don is survived by his children, Ann Triplett (Frank) of Alliance, Ohio, David Ritchey of Modesto; his Step-sons, Patrick Genseal (Peggy) of Warrensburg, Missouri and Michael Genseal (Rhonda) of Escalon; grandchildren, Christopher Genseal of Sedalia, Missouri, Kimberly Kuzak (Rich) of Kodiak, Alaska and Jennifer Genseal of Escalon and 1 great-grandchild; his siblings include, Riley "James" Ritchey of Florida, Tommy "Larry" Ritchey of Sonora, Ellen Havers of Escalon, Edward "Ed" Ritchey of Idaho and Joan Mejia (Rich) of Chico.
Deegan Funeral Chapel is honored to serve the Ritchey family. A viewing for Don will be held Tuesday, August 2, 2022 from 4:00 â€" 7:00 p.m. at Deegan Funeral Chapel, 1441 San Joaquin St., Escalon, Ca 95320. Chapel service will be Wednesday, August 3, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. followed by a Graveside service at Burwood Cemetery, 28320 East River Road, Escalon, Ca 95320. To send the family your condolences or to share a special memory of Don, please visit his tribute page at www.deeganfuneralchapels.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Don Ritchey
3 Entries
Edward Ritchey
July 2, 2025
YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY HEART . THANKS FOR BEING MY BROTHER
Bob and Lisa Dugo
August 4, 2022
Don always had a smile and a wonderful sense of humor. Bob worked for him at his museum in Escalon for many years and they became great friends. I would often visit with our grandchildren and Don loved showing them all of the old cars and his ice cream maker. He always said he would "have it up and running by the next 4th of July.". Lillian would laugh and say she'd heard that for many years. We would sit and enjoy a soda and many stories. Bob and I were just talking about visiting Don about a week ago. We are very sorry to learn of his passing. He was a kind and gentle soul and we will miss him very much. Sending prayers to his family.
Ed Ritchey
August 3, 2022
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
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