Richard M. Ritchie, 59, of Rochester, passed Monday, March 2, 2015 at his residence. He was born Sept. 27, 1955, in Chicago, Ill to Herschel and Beulah (Smith) Ritchie. He was married to Jean Dennis Johnson.

Ritchie was a heavy machine operator for Miller Farm Drainage. He was also involved 4-H Horse and Pony Club supporting his daughter and continuing on for many years after her involvement.

He is survived by his daughter, Jennifer (Rick) Thompson, Rochester; Grandchildren: Mackenzie, Shane, Parker, and Courtney; Mother: Beulah Ritchie, Ellijay, Ga.; Sisters: Sheila Wright, Ellijay, Ga., and Lola Mercer, Bunker Hill; Brothers: Herschel (Jane) Ritchie, Spring Valley, Ohio, Jim (Phyllis) Ritchie, Macy, Lloyd (Kathy) Ritchie, Bowersville, Ohio, Bill (Denise) Ritchie, Ohio, David (Shawn) Ritchie, Ellijay, Ga., and Doug Ritchie, Ohio.

He was preceded in death by his father and his brother, Buddy.

Services will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 7, at First Baptist Church, Mentone. Pastor Michael Wilhite will officiate. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hartzler Funeral Home, Akron.