Robert Edward Ritchie

He was born on September 30, 1932 in Hinton, and was the son of the late Clarence Edward and Beulah Coberley Ritchie.

Bob was a graduate of Shenandoah University and James Madison University. He lived the majority of his life in the Dayton community and had been employed with Shenandoah Valley Electric since 1959 where he was an accountant and data processing manager until he retired in 1994.

He also had a great love for animals and has had several pets.

Bob was very involved in numerous community clubs and organizations including Rockingham Union Lodge #27 where he had been Worshipful Master and Chairman of Trustees; Royal Arch #6, High Priest and Secretary; Luray Commandery #19 Knights Templar, Past Commander and Secretary; Shenandoah Valley Shiners, Past President; ACCA Temple Shrine Richmond; Order of Eastern Star #78 and was past Worthy Patron; Valley of VA York Rite College #161 Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Eureka Lodge #195 Bridgewater; Harrisonburg Elks Lodge #450 and Myers-Hodges VFW #8644 Bridgewater; Dayton American Legion #27 serving as Commander, Adjutant, Treasurer, and was named 2010 Veteran of the Year.

He was a life member of the Shenandoah Valley Kennel Club where he served as President and Treasurer; Life member of Harrisonburg-Rockingham SPCA and Golden Retriever Club of America; Life member of RMH Volunteer Auxiliary; and Harrisonburg-Rockingham Historical Society. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and was a Deacon.

On August 22, 1958 he married Jane Webster Ritchie, who survives.

Also surviving is a brother, Lloyd “Buck” Ritchie of Harrisonburg, four sisters, Helen Lough of Dayton, Thelma Rexrode of VMRC, Ethel Owens of Crozet, Hazel Hirsch of Maryland; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a brother, Clarence Edward Ritchie, Jr.

The family will receive friends 7-8:30 PM, Wednesday, February 16, at Lindsey Funeral Home in Harrisonburg.

A funeral service will be held 11:00 AM, Thursday, February 17, 2011 at the Chapel of the funeral home with Pastor Wayne Wright officiating. Burial will follow in Dayton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Rockingham Masonic Lodge #27, Historical Renovation for the Building Fund, c/o Wayne Wenger, 641 Broadview Dr., Harrisonburg, VA 22802; or Dayton American Legion #27, P. O. Box 271, Dayton, VA 22821.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.lindseyharrisonburg.com.