Bessie Ruth Richie

Paid Obit Re; Mrs. Ruth Woods Ritchie On May 9, 2004, at 5:35 A.M. the world lost a true angel of mercy. Born on April 29, 1918, Ruth Woods Ritchie touched lives across the nation in her 86 years. As she and her husband of 36 years, Clifford M. Ritchie, transferred in his job to many states, they made lasting friendships. Mrs. Ritchie died on Mother's Day and though she had no children, she cared for others, many of whom now have children of their own and keep in touch with her. She was a strong disciplinarian and taught biblical values. Her compassion extended to anyone in need and she was a loyal and true friend to all. She had a card ministry and everyone whom she met could expect greeting cards on all occasions. She also loved animals, especially her own little Mr. Pippin, an apricot poodle, and she supported many animal shelters. Some of her greatest interests were the Athens Little Theater, & the Phoenix Garden Club. Athens was her home for over 20 years until she entered Colonial Nursing Center in Lindale in Feb. 2000. There was a unique bond between her and those who cared for her at Colonial. The family loves and thanks the caregivers for their treatment of her as a friend. Bobby McClenny will conduct services at Caudle-Rutledge Funeral Home in Lindale at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday. The family will receive visitors form 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at the Funeral Home Tuesday evening and at the home of Bobby and Carolyn Greer in Lindale immediately following the 10:00 A.M. service. Graveside services will be held at Oaklawn Memorial Cemetery in Athens at 3:30 P.M. Left to mourn her death and cherish her memory and celebrate her life are sisters, Mary Woods Lemings, Baton Rouge, La., Wanda Ritchie Springer, New Braunfels, Tx., neices and nephews Betty Malone Holmes, Beaumont, Tx., Carolyn Malone Greer, Lindale, Tx., Cathy Malone Whitus, Mathis, Tx., Lisa Lemings Gibbs and Scott Lemings, Baton Rouge, La., Jon Ritchie, San Antonio, Robert Ritchie, Conroe, Tx. She was preceded in death by her Husband, Clifford M. Ritchie, parents Russell W. and Bessie Payne Woods, Sister Otha Belle Woods Malone, and a Nephew Richard Cory Ritchie.

Bessie Ruth Richie

April 29, 2018 - May 9, 2004