Arthur J. Ritchie

GRANVILLE -- Arthur J. Ritchie, 68, of 136 Aiken Road, Middle Granville, hearing the Lord calling to him, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant, come home," crossed the river and ascended into heaven into the loving arms of God, to receive his final reward of eternal salvation from Jesus Christ, on Monday, April 4, 2005, surrounded by his loving family and friends.

Art was born in Granville, on Jan. 15, 1937, the son of John and Florence (Farrar) Ritchie.

On June 10, 1961, Arthur married Sherry Hicks, and they resided in Middle Granville their entire lives.

He was a farmer, truck driver, foreman at Ritchie Brothers Slate Co. Inc., and, since 1997, pastor of the Raceville United Methodist Church.

Art was a very loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, who loved to spend time with family and friends. Our cherished memories of him include special family events, riding with him in his big rig, singing gospel music with his daughter, special time at the waterfall with his granddaughter, and watching his grandson play sports. Art loved the Lord and singing gospel music, and was a member of the men's quartet "The Solid Rock Singers" for 15 years.  He loved visiting hospitals and nursing homes, and ministering to those in need. He loved watching NASCAR racing and playing basketball.

His greatest happiness was found in serving the Lord and His people, sharing the Lord with others and leading them to the Savior. He was truly a kind, loving and gentle man, unselfish, nonjudgmental, a great comforter and friend. His strength came from the Lord, his solid rock.

Each person who knew him was forever touched by his humbleness, sincerity and love. His strong faith never wavered and peace was his. Dwell not on his death, but on his life and testimony. 1st Peter 5:7, "Casting all your care upon Him; for he careth for you."

Survivors include his wife, Sherry Ritchie; two daughters, Jeannie R. Patch and her husband, John, of Fair Haven, Vt.; and Diana L. Ritchie and her fiancé, Richard Williams, of Glens Falls; one son, Daniel D. Ritchie, and his fiancee, Herberta Litchfield of Scottsdale, Ariz.; three grandchildren: Alecia and Andrew Patch of Fair Haven, Vt., and Samantha Williams of Glens Falls; one unborn grandchild;  one brother, Wyman Ritchie and his wife, Mona, of Clark Summit, Pa.; two nephews, whom he thought of as brothers: William "Bud" Ritchie Jr. and his wife, Sandra, of Middle Granville; Larry Ritchie and his wife, Evelyn, of Middletown Springs, Vt.; one sister-in-law, Mary Ritchie of Hudson Falls; his mother-in-law, Margaret Hicks of Middle Granville; a brother-in-law, Gary Hicks and his wife, Becky, of Granville; nieces and nephews: Colleen Hooper and her companion, Mike Hitchen, of Middle Granville; Bonnie Pratt and her husband, Doran, of Hampton; Michelle Shaw and her husband, Wayne, of Granville; Sue Allen and her husband, Joel, of Salem; Michael Ritchie and his wife, Anne, of Hampton; David Ritchie, Jill Ritchie, Tammy Ritchie, Bethann Ritchie; Monalou White of Yellow Springs, Ohio; Nancy Ritchie of Chesterfield, N.H.; Patty Stormont and her husband, Michael, of Jamestown; Timothy Ritchie and his wife, Jan, of Clark Summit, Pa.; Mary June Williams of Lyndon, Vt.; Cindy Williams of Middle Granville; Douglas Williams of Fair Haven, Vt.; Pamela Lehoisky of North Granville; and many other family members, including grand nieces and nephews and his large church family.

Art was predeceased by his brothers, Clarence Ritchie and William Ritchie Sr.; his sisters and brothers-in-law: Mary and Fred Williams; and their daughter, Patricia; and Veronica  and Earl Ingleston; and his father-in-law, Ralph Hicks.

Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, April 7, at Robert M. King Funeral Home, 23 Church St., Granville.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, April 8, at the Raceville United Methodist Church, with Richard Whiting officiating.

Burial will be later in the spring at Elmwood Cemetery in Middle Granville.

Following the service, there will be a time of fellowship at Independence Hall in Middle Granville. A  time of sharing will be held at that time.

Give of yourself today to someone in need, in  honor of Art.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Raceville United Methodist Church, 485 Butler Road, Hampton, NY 12837, to further local missionary work, and to support the children's summer camp fund.