Betsy Ann Ritchie

Betsy Ann Ritchie, of Bristol, died August 3, 2008 at 10 am in South Bend Memorial Hospital after suffering a stroke the previous day.

She was born September 13, 1940 in Muncie to Lois and Claude Williams. She is survived by her husband of 43 years, Jay C. Ritchie; 3 children, Jeffrey Jay (Jessica), Theodore Mathew, and Elizabeth "Lisa" (Chip) Kauchak; as well as 3 grandchildren, Isaac and Colin Ritchie and Lennox Kauchak. Also surviving are her brother, Thomas C. (Patti) Williams and her identical twin siter, Becky (Bill) Elwell.

Betsy received a B.S. from Ball State University in 1962 and subsequently her MBA from Indiana University. She was a member of Alpha Chi Omega, Phi Gamma Mu, Kappa Delta Pi, and Clavia Women's Honorary. She started her employment as a high school librarian in Los Angeles, CA, then worked at Van America and finally retired from Key bank where she was Vice President of commerical loans. After she retired, she never again wore a watch. Over her professional career she served on many board of civic organizations-- a source of great pride to her.

She found joy in her family and friends--one such group dedicagted to wine tasting, in which she participated, covered nearly 40 years. Her other interests included camping with her sister and sisters-in-law and basket weaving in which she constantly won blue ribbons and best of show.

She was a warm, gracious person, a loving wife, and mother loved by all. Her own most cherished role though was as grandmother.

Friends may call from 4-8 pm Wednesday at Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, and one hour prior to the funeral at 10:30 am, Thursday at Trinity United Methodist Church. Reverend Lore Blinn Gibson will officiate. Burial will be at Rice Cemetery.