ROSALIA HUGHES RITCHIE

Rosalia Hughes Ritchie, 95, died quietly at her home on Jan. 4, 2010, surrounded by her family and friends. Born Feb. 6, 1914, in Flaherty, she was the daughter of Albert and Adelia Craycroft Hughes.

She lost her mother at the age of 7 and became a mother to her brothers, Ronald, Pat and Roy and her sister, Bea, as well as anyone who knew her. She was a member of St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church and attended high school there. Later, she married Bernard Ritchie, her husband of almost 68 years ,at St. Martin’s in 1934. In 1945, Bernard and Rosalia moved their family to a farm on Hwy. 79, just outside of Brandenburg, which became the home place, and they became lifelong members of St. John the Apostle Catholic Church.

She was active in her church and community and was a charter member of the Meade County Homemakers Association. Always excited about learning new things, the lessons and good times with her friends in the Midway club were always her favorites. She enjoyed life on the farm, taking care of her family, her flowers, her garden and many birds and animals over the years – even a pair of skunks! Mema and Pa, as they came to be known, enjoyed being grandparents so much and set a wonderful example of love and devotion to family.

She lost her beloved Bernard in 2002 and a daughter, Deloris “Dee” Ilario in 1990.
Mrs. Ritchie is survived by her children, Liz (Fred) Wheatley, Shirley (Jerry) Miles, both of Brandenburg, Joe Ritchie, Elizabethtown, and Bruno (Karen) Ilario, Brandenburg; 11 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and a great-great- grandson, and a grateful heart to her caregivers.
A Mass of Christian burial was held Jan. 7, from St. John the Apostle Catholic Church. Burial was in St. George Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to Mass of the Air, 508 Breckenridge Lane, Louisville, KY 40207-3833, or to Hosparus of Central Kentucky, P.O. Box 2149, Elizabethtown, KY 42701.

Condolences may be left online at www.hagerfuneralhome.com. 02tpd.

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