Dale Walton Ritchie

Dale Walton Ritchie, 93, of Vero Beach, Florida, passed away on June 15, 2025. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, to George Marsh Walton and Marion Adams Walton, Dale lived a life marked by faith, family devotion, and community service.
Dale graduated from Shaker Heights High School in Shaker Heights, Ohio. She attended Virginia Intermont College before transferring to Kent State University where she earned a degree in education. She began her career as an elementary school teacher in Columbus, Ohio and dedicated herself to nurturing young minds before stepping away from teaching to raise her three sons. After her children were grown, she returned to the workforce in the late 1970s as a unit secretary at Boca Raton Community Hospital.
On September 4, 1954, Dale married William D. Ritchie at Christ Church in Shaker Heights. Together, they built a family and shared over six decades of marriage before William's passing. In 1973, they moved to Boca Raton, Florida, and later settled in Vero Beach in 1986 after William's retirement where they enjoyed their golden years together.
Dale was initiated into Alpha Chi Omega during her college years and remained dedicated to the sisterhood throughout her life. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Vero Beach and found fellowship through her involvement with the Scottish Society of the Treasure Coast. She was formerly a member of The Moorings Club and the Exchange Club of Vero Beach.
An accomplished needlepoint artist, Dale created treasured heirlooms that will be cherished for generations. Her exquisite Christmas stockings, pillows, chair covers, belts, and other handcrafted creations were expressions of her love for family and friends.
Dale is survived by her three sons: William W. Ritchie (Lenora), Peter A. Ritchie, and Andrew D. Ritchie (Jennifer); her beloved grandchildren Jackson, Liam, and Drew; her sister Lynn Reed; nephew Dick Reed; niece Lee Reed; and cousin, Stephanie McTaggart. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.
Dale's legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched as an educator, the beautiful works of art she created with her hands, and the values she instilled in her family. She will be remembered for her unwavering dedication to those she held dear.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 520 Royal Palm Blvd., Vero Beach, FL 32960.