Joyce Marie Ritchey, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, peacefully passed away on her 97th birthday, April 4, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, on April 4, 1927, Joyce was the cherished daughter of Oscar Hebert and Amanda Patin Hebert. She was the youngest of seven children and graduated from Cecilia High school in Louisiana.
After completing her education, Joyce moved to Port Arthur, Texas, where she briefly worked as a telephone operator at Southwestern Bell. It was in Port Arthur where she met the love of her life, Paul Ritchey. Together, they built their home in Groves, Texas, and raised a beautiful family.
Joyce was a dedicated housewife and mother of four boys, known for her unwavering love and devotion to her family. She found joy in being a grandmother to six and a great-grandmother to sixteen, all of whom affectionately called her Gigi.
Known for her meticulousness, Joyce kept an immaculate house and had a passion for ironing, even ironing the sheets. She was also a talented cook, delighting her family with dishes such as round steak with rice and gravy, salmon croquettes, meatloaf, and fruit cocktail cake.
Joyce had an innate sense of style and was always impeccably dressed, with her hair elegantly done every week at the beauty shop. She adored her dogs and found solace in their companionship.
In her leisure time, Joyce enjoyed visiting the casino, playing cards, dancing and spending quality time with her loved ones. She leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and cherished memories.
Joyce is survived by her sons Terry Paul Ritchey & wife Jane (Palmarozzi) Ritchey, Gary L. Ritchey & wife Kathy (Theriot) Ritchey, Dewayne C. Ritchey & wife Keely (Salvagio) Ritchey, and Eddie S. Ritchey & husband Steve Paquin, along with her grandchildren Dr. Bryan Ritchey & wife Michelle, Kristen Ritchey Bellanger & husband Terry, Brent Ritchey & wife Alaina, Ryan Ritchey & wife Kim, Joli’ Ritchey Huckaby & husband Karl, and Daryn Ritchey & wife Cassie.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Paul Ritchey, her father Oscar Hebert and mother Amanda Patin Hebert, her siblings Edwin Hebert, Lester Hebert, Fabiola Hebert Theriot, Stella Hebert Goudy, Violet Hebert Begnaud, and Agnes "Sue" Hebert Breaux.
Joyce leaves behind a host of family and friends, who will forever cherish her memory.
A visitation for family and friends to celebrate Joyce's life will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at 10:00 AM with a rosary at 11:30 AM, followed by the funeral service at 12:00 PM. All services will be held at Grammier-Oberle Funeral Home, 4841 39th St, Port Arthur, Texas 77642
Joyce will be laid to rest in Greenlawn Memorial Park, 3900 Twin City Highway, Groves, TX 77619-2859.
Pallbearers will be Terry Ritchey, Gary Ritchey, Dewayne Ritchey, Eddie Ritchey, Bryan Ritchey, Ryan Ritchey, Daryn Ritchey and Brent Ritchey.
Joyce will be deeply missed but will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. May she rest in eternal peace.
