John Gary Ritchie, age 78, of West Mansfield, Ohio passed away Friday, May 26, 2023 at Riverside Methodist Hospital.
John Gary was born in Marion, Ohio on September 2, 1944 to the late John F. and Fannabel (Burkepile) Ritchie. John Gary grew up in West Mansfield where he graduated from North Western High School in 1962.
After graduating early, he enlisted in the US Navy, or as he referred to it ‘Uncle Sam’s Canoe Club’. He served during the Vietnam War and was stationed in The Mediterranean Sea as a Teletype Operator. After an honorable discharge, John Gary returned home and began a 36-year career at Whirlpool in Marion as a Lab Technician. In addition to working at Whirlpool, John Gary worked on the family farm where he raised cattle and grew hay.
John Gary married Pamela O’Brien on September 26, 1970 at The First English Lutheran Church in Marysville. The two grew up down the road from each other and John Gary often helped on the O’Brien Farm while growing up.
In his younger years John Gary enjoyed playing basketball, both in High School and while enlisted. He also helped to coach his daughters’ softball teams, timed many track meets, and was a 4H Advisor. In his free time, he enjoyed attending horse races at Scioto Downs and went to the Little Brown Jug in Delaware every September. He even owned a racehorse for a short time.
John Gary is survived by his wife, Pamela Ritchie; daughters, Amanda and Melissa Ritchie; sister Louann (Gregg Hawkins) Herd; brother-in-law, Malcolm ‘Mac’ Manville; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, John Gary is preceded in death by sister, Fae Manville; brother, Tim Richie; brother-in-law, Phillip Herd; nephew, Lee Manville; and Pam’s parents James and Sara O’Brien.
Visitation will be at Ingram Funeral Home (975 North Maple Street, Marysville) on Wednesday, May 31, from 4 until 7 p.m. An 11 a.m. funeral will be Thursday at the funeral home with Pastor Jack Knox officiating.
Donations may be made in John Gary’s honor to The Union County Cancer Society (1 N Main St, Marysville, OH 43040) and can be directed through the funeral home.
Ingram Funeral Home is honored to serve The Ritchie Family. Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.IngramFuneralService.com.