Ledora Ann Ritchie

Ledora “Ann” Ritchie, the daughter of Leon and Dorothy (Caldwell) Winter, was born February 16, 1943, in Chickasha, Oklahoma.  She departed this life on March 24, 2024 at age 81 in Hickory Estates Memory Care, Pana, IL. 

 Ann graduated from Chickasha High School and Oklahoma College for Women with a Bachelor’s in Home Economics.  She taught at Stilwell Schools for over 30 years before retiring and was named “Teacher of The Year” during that time.  Following retirement, she worked a few years for the Stilwell Health Department, and also went back to teach four more years at Bell School.   

 Ann was a strong Christian who loved going to church until she was unable to in her later years.  She was a wonderful cook and enjoyed taking care of her home with beautiful decorations.  Ann especially enjoyed time with her family and having visits from her grandchildren.   Her favorite color was blue, a love passed down from her sweet grandmother, Emma.

 Ann is survived by two sons:  Joey (Elizabeth) Ritchie of Wichita, Kansas; Derrick (Karen) Ritchie of Tower Hill, Illinois; eight grandchildren:  Devonn Ritchie, Courtney (Jeremy) Adkins, Austyn Ritchie, Bradyn Ritchie, Josiah (Keila) Ritchie, Isaac Ritchie, Nathanael Ritchie and Luke Ritchie; four great-grandchildren:   Emerson, Macyn, Aurora, Joseph;   sister:   Charla (Vaughan) Carlson; niece:   Katie (Elijah) Hixson and their children.

 Ann was married to Ronnie Ritchie for nearly 20 years before their divorce.  She was blessed by all of Ronnie’s family and was especially close to his sisters over the years.  

 Ann was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, James Winter, who lived with her in Stilwell for six years until his death in 2018.

 A memorial service will be held at Robert's Funeral Home in Stilwell, Oklahoma April 5, 2024 at 11:00am, with Pastor Jim Brunk officiating.   Visitation will be held from 10:00am until service time.  

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ann’s last regularly attended church:   Tower Hill Christian Church in Tower Hill, IL.