Susan Ritchey Dobbs, 72, of Montgomery, passed away peacefully in her sleep on May 23, 2018, at her home following a brave battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease). The youngest of four daughters in a military family, Sue moved frequently, spending a good deal of time overseas. Some of her fondest memories involve time spent at Paris American High School in Paris, France. She graduated from both Montgomery Catholic High School and St. Joseph’s Nursing School in Atlanta. She was an incredibly dedicated and loving wife, mother and grandmother. Sue loved opening up her home for get-togethers, cooking, working in the yard, and spending time with her four daughters and grandchildren. Faith, family and friends were truly the center of her life. She was an active member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church and volunteered many years as a pro-life counselor at COPE Pregnancy Center. Her personal pro-life mission called her to be a sidewalk counselor at various Montgomery area abortion clinics to advocate for the unborn. Her example of faith and dignity are an ever-present reminder to her family and all who knew her of God’s grace and love.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Col. Russell Vaughn Ritchey and Alice Quade Ritchey; and her sister Kathleen Ann Ritchey.
Susan is survived by her husband, Lt Col. Harold R. Dobbs, Jr.; children, Jeannie Thrash Hoffman (Mark), Vicki Thrash Knighten (Ben), Casey Jean Thrash and Suzanne Thrash Roberson (Jamey); grandchildren, James Conner Knighten, Benjamin Neal Knighten, Isabella Callaway Hoffman, Mitchell Vaughn Knighten, George Tate Hoffman, Annabelle James Roberson and Alexander Wright Roberson; and siblings, Joan Ritchey Gulley (Charles) and Barbara Ritchey DiAllesandro (Don) and a host of nieces and nephews.
A Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 29, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. in the main church at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Montgomery, with the Rosary preceding at 12:30 p.m. A Celebration of Life will follow at 2:00 p.m. with Father Patrick Driscoll officiating. Susan will then be laid to rest in Saint Margaret’s Cemetery at Oakwood.
Pallbearers to include: Mark D. Hoffman, James L. Roberson, Benjamin A. Knighten, Michael S. Smith, Richard P.McNabb, James C. (Conner) Knighten, Benjamin N. Knighten, Charles A. (Drew) Smith; Honorary Pallbearer: Patrick R.Gulley.
Memorial contributions may be made to Montgomery Area Food Bank, COPE Pregnancy Center, and ALS Foundation.
Online condolences may be made at www.Leak-MC.com
