Norma June Ritchie, 79, of Craig, Colorado, passed away Wednesday, August 25, 2021 after a long battle with cancer. She was loved by all that knew her. She was born to parents Robert Locker and Donna (Harbaugh) Locker on June 6, 1942 in Lima, Ohio, second of 4 daughters. Growing up, June was an active member in the Elm Street Church Of The Brethren, volunteering wherever she was needed. She graduated from Lima Senior High in 1960, completed a secretarial course and secured employment at a local bank. She met Howard William Ritchie, in 1961, when his family returned to Lima for a visit. Howard asked a friend who the cute girl was in the church choir. They began dating and married June 24, 1962 in the very same church. Together they raised 4 daughters: Nadine, Pam, Vanessa, and Deb. Married life in Ohio was happy, surrounded by generations of family. June especially loved spending time with her sisters and their young families. She was an avid gardener and food preserver, which kept her close to older family members. June involved herself in her children’s school by joining the PTA, becoming a Girl Scout Leader, and helping raise funds by acting in the Spring Follies, participating in school fairs, bake sales & bazaars. Early 1977, Howard & June moved their family from Ohio to Craig, Colorado, for Howard’s health and desire to help make a difference in people’s lives. Seeing a need, they began their water treatment business, Aqua Pura. They expanded the business in 1980 to include residential water well service and pumps, becoming Howard’s Aqua Systems. In 1984, they again expanded, adding lawn sprinkler system designing and installation. Following the loss of her husband in 2003, June dissolved the business and retired after 26 years as office manager. The community supportive couple valued being long-time Rotarians, 4H meat sale supporters, and Craig Concert Association sponsors. As a widow, June continued to enjoy the community concerts as an annual member. She became involved in several senior programs, including the Red Hat Society, City Parks & Rec senior trips and Aging Well Wellness Wednesday. June continued making a difference, by volunteering at the Pregnancy Center, Craig Christian Church functions, the Mite Society and Joyful Noisemakers. Her most treasured times were family gatherings, individual time with her children, grandchildren and many close friends. June was well-known for her caring nature, her bubbly personality, and her ability to always find the good in any situation. June will be missed by many. June is survived by her sisters: Nancy Erb and Nola (David) Swaim, daughters: Nadine (Tim) Ritchie-Wheeler, Pamela Ritchie, Vanessa Ritchie (Seth Branson), Deborah Ritchie, grandchildren: Matthew Wheeler, Paige Durbin, Megan McCammon, Keaton Durbin, Kaysee McCammon, and Slater Durbin, as well as many nieces & nephews, and great nieces & nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Bob & Donna, sister Noralee Sue Kersten, husband Howard and brother-in-law Chuck Erb. The family has entrusted Grant Mortuary with a Celebration of Life, Saturday, October 9th at 11:00 a.m., at the Craig Christian Church, Minister Scott Middleton officiating. Reception to follow. June and Howard will be interred, in the Craig Cemetery, Wednesday, October 20th at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society of Moffat County, Memorial Regional Health Hospice, or another cause close to your heart.
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