Elva Ritchie Blanton

Elva Ritchie Blanton was welcomed into her heavenly home in the early morning hours of Friday, February 25, 2005. She was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Ben A. Blanton Sr., and infant son, John Christopher Blanton. Elva was born October 7, 1923, the daughter of the late Robert Francis Ritchie Jr. and Elva Steger Ritchie. She also had one brother, the late Robert "Bob" Ritchie III . She was born and raised in the former home of the Sauer family of Richmond located on Sauer Avenue and attended Thomas Jefferson High School. She remained in Richmond all her life. Elva was a Past Junior Princess of the International Order of Job's Daughters, where on a fall day she met her future husband, Ben, and they married in 1941. Elva was retired from Richmond Newspapers, Inc. and Media General, where her dear friends called her "Scottie". Her fondest memories always remained with Richmond Newspapers. She specialized in history and was the newspaper resource librarian for Richmond history. Cherishing her life and memories are her children, her eldest son, Ben Blanton Jr. of Richmond, her eldest daughter, Ritchie Blanton Sears of Richmond, son, Robert "Bob" Blanton of Palm Bay, Fla., son, Scott Blanton and daughter, Maria Blanton Henrichs, both of Richmond. She will also be remembered by 13 grandchildren, Chris Blanton, Todd Blanton, Brian Sears, Jeffrey Sears, Michelle Blanton, Tad Smith, Jenni Mansur, Ricky Blanton, Kaleigh Blanton, Caroline Blanton, DeLaney Blanton, Cally Henrichs and Gordon Henrichs. She was a proud great-grandmother of two great-granddaughters, Miss Casey Blanton, daughter of her eldest grandson, Chris Blanton and his wife, Julie and Miss Abbey Mansur, daughter of granddaughter Jenni, and her husband, Kevin Mansur. She is also survived by an aunt, Alma "Ginger" Cooper; sister-in-law, Vicky Ritchie both of Richmond; a dedicated son in law, Glen Henrichs; several nephews and nieces, one very close to her heart, Judy Mewes of Sarasota, Fla. Elva endured a lengthy illness with faith and determination. On behalf of Elva, the family would like to sincerely thank the many friends that thoughtfully remembered her in prayer, especially during these past five and a half years. She especially enjoyed nature and shared with Ben, a deep love of family and hobbies of books and horses. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Parham Chapel, Woody Funeral Home, 1771 N. Parham Rd., where services will be held Wednesday, 1 p.m. Interment 2 p.m. in Westhampton Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children, P.O. Box 9217, Richmond, Va. 23227.