Nogla "Nogie" Ritchie

Nogla Jane "Nogie" Ritchie, 96, Topeka, Kansas, gracefully passed from Earth to Heaven, the way she lived her life, on February 10, 2026, while surrounded by her loving husband, Ed Ritchie, and her family. People were drawn to her warm, positive and gentle spirit.

Nogla was born on a farm near Belvue, Kansas to Mary and James Hiner Sr. on September 13, 1929. She was the youngest of four children. Her siblings, James Hiner Jr., Alvin Hiner, and Mary Cook all preceded her in death.

Nogla graduated from Wamego High School where she was a baton twirler. She met and married William K. Smith from St. Mary's, Kansas. They had five children, Janie Brown (Johnny), Judy McCrite (Patrick), Johnny Smith (Paula), Suzanne Chapek (Michael), and Sherry Waterstreet (Jeff). She was blessed with 15 grandchildren, 43 greats, and five great-greats.

After her children were grown, she divorced and later met and married Edwin Ritchie on January 1, 1985, during a blinding snowstorm. They enjoyed 41 years of marriage. They loved camping in their camper and traveled around the US and Mexico. Nogla loved the outdoors and was passionate about animals, flowers, and music.

Nogla spent most of her life as a homemaker, truly devoting herself to her children. Later she became a beautician, working for Peletier's then for Bryan World Tours as a travel agent.

Please join us in celebrating Nogla's life. Visitation will be Monday February 23rd, from 10:30 until 11:30 a.m. at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614, followed by her service at 11:30 a.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Helping Hands Humane Society, sent in care of the funeral home.

Condolences may be sent online to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.