Marjorie Ohlhausen Ritchie

1938 - 2023

Marjorie Ohlhausen Ritchie
November 26, 1938 - April 23, 2023
Gig Harbor, Washington - Marjorie Ohlhausen Ritchie, Gig Harbor WA, passed away peacefully at home on April 23, 2023, surrounded by her family. She was born November 26, 1938 in Blue Island IL to Frank and Frances Ohlhausen. Marge grew up in Kansas City MO, graduating from Central High School before attending Wellesley College. She completed nursing school at West Suburban Hospital in Oak Park IL, and obtained a Bachelor's degree at Wheaton College. While working on the surgical ward at Cook County Hospital in Chicago, she met a very handsome intern, William Thomas Ritchie, claiming she was always cleaning up after him at the hospital. They married in 1964, moving to Washington in 1969 following Bill's residency, where they raised their four children in University Place.
Marge was preceded in death by her parents, Frances and Frank Ohlhausen, brother William Ohlhausen, sisters Rosemary Ford and Frances Leach, and son-in-law William Bice. She is survived by her husband, Bill, four children, Susan Bice, Karen (Kurt) Bueschke, William Ritchie Jr, and Scott Ritchie; five grandchildren, Nicholas Bice, Zachary Bice, Ryan Bueschke, Caleb Bueschke, and Jennifer Bueschke; as well as her best dog Stetson.
Marge was an active member of University Place Presbyterian Church for 54 years. She was very involved in the UP School District for many years, starting with PTA when her kids were young and eventually being elected to the district's Board of Directors in 1987, serving for 10 years. As her kids got older, she ran her husband's medical practice for 20 years. In 1997, they moved to the home they built at the family beach property outside Gig Harbor, where they spent 25 wonderful years hosting countless family gatherings, entertaining friends, and enjoying life at the beach. Marge and Bill also spent much time traveling the country, visiting quilt stores, vacationing with family, and enjoying good times in the company of her many close friends. She attended as many soccer games, track meets, and dance competitions as possible, cheering on her grandkids.
Marge was a wonderful wife, mom, grandma, and friend, always there for everyone. She was the ultimate planner, keeping the family together and making sure things were perfect.
A memorial service will be held at University Place Presbyterian Church on Sunday May 14, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. Remembrances can be made in her name to UP Presbyterian Church.