Odette Ritchie

She is preceded in death by her husband of 36 years, Lawrence D.; and son, Larry E. Ritchie; parents, Robert and Neva (Hughes) Hamilton; sibling’s, Berniece Stults, Irene Souders, Lloyd Hamilton, Marvin Hamilton, and Bernard Hamilton.

She is survived by her daughter, Lynnette McArthur; and daughter-in-law, Martha Ritchie; grandsons, Duncan McArthur, and Larry D. Ritchie; siblings, Harold (Aura Bele) Hamilton, Helen Moore, and Hazel Brown; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Living through both the Dust Bowl years and Great depression, Odette learned to do with very little and saved and used and reused everything. Her stories of these events forged her into being hardy, thrifty and resilient.

As a young girl, Odette was very active in the Holly Baptist church. She served as Sunday school superintendent, and worked as a teacher in the BYPU youth group. Singing alto, she also performed with a popular quartet. They sang at weddings and funerals at churches throughout the area.

After passing the cosmetology state board, she and her older sister, Irene, went into business running The Holly Beauty Shoppe for 20 years.

She moved to Pueblo in 1955 and was an active member of Central Christian Church for many years. She spent many hours working for Los Pobres, Operation Christmas Child and serving with the CWF organization. Continuing her musical gift, she played with the Morning Bell Choir for several years.

She volunteered in the library at both Belmont and Fountain Elementary Schools. Doing this, she learned to use the computer and was very proud of this accomplishment.

Odette lived with purpose and was a faithful sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.

Her neighbors and church family could count on her kindness and help.

Her passing will leave a large void to those who loved her.