Richard L. Ritcheson

 Richard Ritcheson left this world after a long and fulfilling life. Richard is survived by His wife, Nella (Bowles) Ritcheson of New Haven, IL, Rochelle (Ritcheson) Wilkerson, and Richard Kyle Ritcheson, (and his devoted companion, Heather Hudson), all from New Haven, IL;  2 Grandchildren, Adrianna “Mark” Wilkerson and Alexander “Xander” Wilkerson both of New Haven, IL; Brothers; Doug Ritcheson of Carmi, IL and Roy (Diane) Ritcheson of Carmi, IL. Also surviving is Gina Gutowski of Mt. Vernon, IN, of whom he had legal guardianship of as a teenager and included her among his cherished family members.

  He is preceded in death by his mother, Ferris Ritcheson, Father, Roy Ritcheson, Brothers; Fred Ritcheson, Ivan Ritcheson, and Bill Ritcheson, and sister Glenda Nelson.

Richard was born on July 16, 1941, in White County, Illinois to parents Roy & Ferris Ritcheson. After he graduated High School in Carmi, Illinois in 1959,  he attended Champaign/ Urbana Police Academy. He graduated in 1977. Their love story began in 1978 when he and Nella Bowles first met. They married in 1979. Together they had 2 biological children. They also welcomed several struggling adolescents into their home who grew from his exemplary influence and love for them.

Richard  (897) was employed as a police officer in his favorite city of all time, New Haven, Illinois, in 1978. He worked for approximately 30 years as a New Haven Police Officer, with his final years working as a volunteer police officer.  He was employed at White County Coal in 1980 as a security guard. He told others that he loved working here because he worked with “260 of his best friends.” Richard provided for his family at White County Coal for 40 years by making sure his friends were as safe and secure as possible, while they provided for their families.

After Richard retired from both jobs, he loved spending time loving & spoiling his grandkids. He enjoyed every moment of being a “Papa.” His children & grandchildren were the lights of his life. His retirement also allowed him time to double down on the banter-filled relationship with his wife, Nella. He often loved to joke with people who said Nella was his “trophy wife.” Their love for each other was often noticed between the lines of humor and witty exchanges, creating 45 years of affection woven through every playful remark and shared laughter, until Richard’s very last moments on this side of Heaven.

  Richard spent a lifetime enjoying adventures and hobbies such as derby cars, classic cars, and NASCAR. He also enjoyed raising many different types of animals over the years, with his snakes holding a special place as his favorite.

Richard’s love, warmth, and acceptance touched the lives of all who knew him.  Richard's impact goes beyond his achievements and successes; it lies in the countless lives he touched, the friendships he forged, and the memories he created. As we remember him, we are left with an immense gap that is a testament to the profound love he wrapped around us all.

Richard was a member of Plainview General Baptist Church. Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2024, from 11:00 am with the Memorial to begin at 12:00 pm at Plainview General Baptist Church 792 County Road 325 N. Norris City, IL 62869, with a reception to follow. Dr. Franklin Dumond will officiate the ceremony. The final resting place will be at Union Ridge Cemetery. His ashes will find their final resting place at Union Ridge Cemetery, at a later date.