Frederick Gerald Ritchey, 75, of Van Buren Township, Mich., died Tuesday, July 25 at his home, surrounded by family, after a short battle with cancer.
He was born June 23, 1942, in Warren County, the son of the late James Frederick and Dollie (Keaton) Ritchey.
Fred grew up in Detroit, Mich., and graduated from Western High School in 1960. He moved to Van Buren Township in December of 1963 with his wife and daughter. He retired from General Motors Willow Run Hydromatic Plant in January 1993, after 30 years of loyal service. He had a farm in Tennessee as well as his home in Michigan. He loved raising beef cattle and supplying his children with beef for their families. In Michigan, he had bee hives and sold honey locally and at the Van Buren Senior Center in the gift shop. Mr. Ritchey loved to hunt and fish with his sons and grandkids, friends and extended family. He tried to attend most of his grandchildren’s soccer and hockey games, plays, marching band and concert band events and soft ball games. 
Fred is survived by his devoted wife, Wanda Lou (Helton) Ritchey, daughter Pamela (Wade “Rusty”) Basnaw of Belleville, Mich., twin sons, James (Becky) Ritchey of Willis, Mich., and John (Tracy) Ritchey of Edwardsburg, Mich., stepdaughter Sabrina (Clifton) Johnson of Philomath, Oregon, and like-a-son, John (Wendy) Gladhill of Okemos, Mich., 15 grandchildren, one great-granddaughter, Kylie Walls, sister, Barbara Sterurer of Smithville, brother, Charles (Janice) Ritchey of McMinnville, also numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 8 at McMinnville Funeral Home Chapel. Bro. David Bratcher will officiate. Interment will follow at Wood Cemetery. The Ritchey family will receive friends Friday from 2 to 8 p.m. and again Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m. at McMinnville Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Wood Cemetery Fund, c/o Georgia Peden, Treasurer, 220 S. High Street, McMinnville 37110.
McMinnville Funeral Home is in charge of local arrangements.
Southern Standard
(McMinnville, Tenn.) Aug. 2, 2017