Obituary of Gertrude Ritchie

Gertrude Dreger Ritchie, 100 years, of Stow, Ohio passed away June 9, 2017 after a brief illness in Akron, Ohio. She was preceded by her husband of 65 years, Rupert Ritchie.

Gertrude was born in Brunswick, Ohio to Gustav and Emma Dreger on May 22,1917. She attended Brunswick Schools and graduated in 1936 along with her future husband, Rupert. Gertrude was a homemaker after her marriage in 1940 and worked at the Stow United States Post Office for 24 years. Gertrude enjoyed years of square dancing with Rupert, camping and travel trailer trips around the country as well as entertaining in her home. She enjoyed her primary residence in Stow, Ohio and in her later years winters in Pompano Beach, FL. She was always excited to return to Stow and her friends, family and the First Christian Church of Stow congregation.

Gertrude is survived by 11 nieces and nephews: Robert (Janice) Wilson of Peachtree, GA; Donald (Shirleen) Wilson of New Boston, MI; Barbara (William) Griffith of Peachtree, GA; Larry (Judy) Wilson of El Dorado Hills, CA; Rich (Linda) Wilson of Sandusky, OH; Cheryl (Doug) Marshall of Columbus, Ohio; John (Pat) Wilson, Jr., Sandusky, OH; Gail (Harley) Harber of Glencoe, AR; Lois (Anton) Zellman of Canton, GA along with Sheryl Dreger Miller and Brian Dreger. She is also survived by four more generations of nieces and nephews. Gertrude was a woman of strength, independence and faith who lived at home until after her 100th birthday, May 22, of this year. The family would like to extend their gratitude to the village of wonderful neighbors and friends, In particular Bill and MaryJoe Steuart and Marty and Robert Blaine, who have supported Gertrude over the years. Their support and kindness has been selfless and allowed Gertrude to reach her life goal of 100 years.

Friends and family are invited to Redmon Funeral Home, 3633 Darrow Road, Stow, OH on Friday, June 16, 2017. Calling hours are from 10 AM to 12 Noon with the service at 12:00 Noon. Interment will follow at 1:00 PM at Crown Hill Cemetery, 8592 Darrow Road, Twinsburg, OH. Memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice in lieu of flowers.