Letha S. Ritchie

Published 4:41 pm Wednesday, December 26, 2018

Mrs. Letha S. Ritchie, 91, of Elizabethton, passed away on December 24, 2018, at Sycamore Shoals Hospital following an extended illness. God opened the Gate of Heaven and she entered into His rest to live with Him forever. Mrs. Ritchie was a native and lifelong resident of Carter County, Tenn. She was a member of Borderview Christian Church. She was the daughter of the late Ernest and Della Richards Shipley.
She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Eugene “Jack” Shipley, Marion “Bud” Shipley, Curtis Shipley and Kathy Duffy.
Mrs. Ritchie was employed by American Bemberg Corporation for several years and later retired from the Tennessee Department of Human Services.
Mrs. Ritchie was a devoted loving wife and the best mother a son could ever have. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Lawrence F. Ritchie, of the home, and her only child, Lance F. Ritchie, and his very special friend, Deirdre D. Mooney, of Knoxville, Tenn. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews.
The receiving of friends will be held in the Chapel of Peace at Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, on Thursday, December 27, from 5 until 7 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life service at 7 p.m. conducted by Mr. Scott Fisher, minister of Borderview Christian Church. Music will be provided by Scott Reynolds, Ray Don Markland and Dillon Shipley. The graveside service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday, December 28, at Happy Valley Memorial Park. Active pallbearers will be Dexter Shipley, Dillon Shipley, David Allen Bullock, Curt Acres, Brad Smith, Andy Hight, Jay Hardin and Adam Lewis. Honorary pallbearers are members of Borderview Christian Church, family and friends. Those wishing to attend the service are asked to meet at the cemetery at 10:50 a.m. Friday. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Borderview Christian Church, 1338 Bristol Highway, Elizabethton, TN 37643. Online condolences may be shared with the family on our website, www.tetrickfuneralhome.com.
Mrs. Ritchie and her family are in the care of Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton. Office: (423) 542-2232. Service Information Line: (423) 543-4917.