Joanne Marie (Ritchie) Leiter

Joanne Marie Leiter, 76, of Grottoes, passed away Monday, April 6, 2020, at Sentara Rockingham Memorial Hospital in Harrisonburg. She was born in Annandale on April 10, 1943, and was a daughter of the late Miller H. Ritchie and Edith E. (Dawson) Ritchie. Joanne was a special education assistant for Rockingham County Public Schools for 26 years. Joanne was loved by all for her outrageously silly personality. She loved playing games, whether it was a card game or an April Fool’s prank on someone. She was full of life. She is survived by her brother, Melvin H. Ritchie of Luray, three daughters; Sherrie Holloway and husband Kenny, of Grottoes; Edie Mellick and partner Frank Swink, of Grottoes, and Tammy Balser and husband Phil, of Staunton. She had 7 grandchildren: Kevin Holloway, Heather Mauzy and partner Charlie Flippin, Bethany Perez, Kelly Roche and husband Jarret, Matt Balser, Tim Weaver, Jr. and partner Nicole Leavell, and LaTisha Gregory and husband Josh. Joanne adored her great-grandchildren: HarLee, Camden, Gabe, Jaydrin, Maddox, Aubrey, Nakiyah, Lux, Romeo “Cubby”, Brielle, and Brantley. She has one great-grandson on the way. Joanne felt especially close to Terri Knicely, April Good-Helms, Tiffany Dinges, Patsy Hoover and partner Tammy Losh. A memorial service will be held at a later date.