On Sunday, September 15, 2019, John O. Ritchie, age 79, of Helena, passed quietly after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.
John Omar Ritchie was born in 1940 in Butte, MT. After the death of his father, his mother settled in Whitehall, MT. John grew up in Whitehall and graduated from high school in 1959. He enlisted in the Navy and served for four years. He loved to tell stories about his time aboard the USS St. Paul, especially the initiation of shellbacks, the process of enlisted men crossing the international dateline in the Pacific. After leaving the Navy, he worked for Boeing and the Anaconda Mining Company in Butte, as an underground hard rock miner.
John loved to spend time camping, fishing, painting and sketching, woodworking and gardening. He also had a lifelong love of geology. He instilled these passions in his children and grandchildren, especially the collection of rocks.
John was a quiet, kind, loving man. Always willing to lend a helping hand, he spent a great deal of time assisting his family refurbishing a camper, building fences, landscaping yards or whatever needed to be done. His love and kindness will be missed by many generations.
John is preceded in death by his parents, John and Loula; brother, Albert; and sisters, Jessie, Mabel and Bessie.
John is survived by his wife, Mary; children – Mark (Teri) Sheffield, Russ Sheffield, Sherri (Chris) Colberg, Susan (Matt Ehlke) McEachern; Grandchildren – Ellie and Connor Sheffield, Logan and Evan Colberg, Nick McEachern, Lindsey and Blaine Ehlke; his brothers, Jim (Vivian) Ritchie and Alfred (Susan) Rickard; along with numerous beloved nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. Thursday, September 19, 2019 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave., with coffee and cookies to follow the service in the social hall of the funeral home. Burial with Military Honors will be held at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Ft. Harrison following the reception. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of John.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Thursday September 19, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Coffee and Cookies
After the service
Thursday September 19, 2019
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
Following the reception
Thursday September 19, 2019
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroe's Rd.
Ft. Harrison, Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Thursday September 19, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Coffee and Cookies
After the service
Thursday September 19, 2019
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
Following the reception
Thursday September 19, 2019
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroe's Rd.
Ft. Harrison, Montana 59636
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Luke Butcher says
One of the most respectable men I’ve ever known. I spent a lot of time with Uncle John when I was a kid. He taught me so many things. He taught me about woodworking and electronics, outdoorsmanship and nature, geology and the earth, art and culture, and life in general. Mostly he didn’t teach by telling me, but instead by doing things. We went hiking and fishing, camping, hunting for old bottles, gold panning, and exploring old abandoned mine sites. We spent many hours in “the shop” at Grandma’s house working on projects, painting pictures, and building stuff. We went on adventures to Glacier Park, the Madison River valley, or sometimes just up in the hills around Whitehall. Pretty much everything we did had a valuable lesson in it, whether I realized it at the time or not. He was honest, kind, generous, and patient. I don’t recall him ever uttering a harsh word toward me. I have many fond memories of the time I got spend with Uncle John. He will be greatly missed.
Frank Ritchie says
My Unkle John was one of the most positive role models in my life. He was one of the kindest people I have known. He was only ten years older than me and since I lived at Gradma’s alot growing up, he was like and older brother. He taught me to hunt and fish, drive a car, tie flys, pan for gold and many other things.
I know most of my cousins feel the same way about Uncle John.
He was loved very much and will be missed.
Lynne Dunsmore says
Uncle Johnny was a very stable and positive influence while i was growing up. Three are so many good memories ….panning for gold, going fishing, helping to make flys, playing fan tan, learning about circuits in the shop, driving his car(with No hood)…the list goes on. No matter the situation Uncle Johnny was calm and thoughtful – I just felt safe knowing everything was under control.
Uncle Johnny holds a special place in my heart and I cherish the memories of him always. He was truly an honorable man
Geri Dorvall says
Uncle John was the most kindest generous loving person I have ever known. He taught me karate. We watched King Fu every week together.
I remember his laughter…his sense of humor. I don’t remember ever hearing Uncle John raise his voice…he didn’t need to. He could get his point across calmly and it usually ended up being a teaching moment. He always made me believe I could do anything I put my mind to. He was a good guy and will be greatly missed. Love you Uncle John!
Sally Buckles says
Mary & family, want you to know you are being thought of today. John was so helpful on the ambulance, it was when he wasn’t doing the maintenance, that we realized how much he did. Blessings to him and sympathies to you.
James McMahon Barb says
Mary and family our condolences . John was caring and compassionate with the clients at MDC . He was great to work with.
Drew Dawson says
I had the pleasure of working with John on the Boulder Ambulance Service where he was an extremely kind considerate and dedicated member.. He was also one of the most patient and genuinely nice persons I have had the opportunity to call a friend. John was just a caring persons. Mary and family – I know how acutely you will miss him. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Judi Saarinen says
Mary and Family, our sincere sympathy to you all in the loss of John
Glen J Cuchine says
Mary and family, please accept my deepest condolences on John’s passing. He was such a kind, compassionate gentleman, such a fine role model for all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Bless you all.