Mildred Ritchie Holder

Mildred Ritchie Holder died peacefully, surrounded by family, on April 18, 2026. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Eugene Holder. Born to Mildred White Ritchie and Ray Miller Ritchie, she was the 5th of 7 children, all of whom predeceased her: Helen R. Dixon, Ray “Miller” Ritchie, Jr., James Henry Ritchie, Charlotte R. Addington, Elizabeth “Betsy” R. Thomas, and Stephen Sellers Ritchie. She was also preceded in death by L. Elizabeth Ritchie, her niece. She is survived by her sons, Richard Eugene Holder and John Kenneth Holder, her daughter-in-law, Rev. Donna C. Holder, who was like a daughter to her; five grandchildren who called her “Nana”, John “Andrew” Holder (Jacqui), Charles “Preston” Holder (Robin), Jonathan “Ryan” Holder, Lauren Holder Neville (Chris), and Patrick Eugene Holder; and five great-grandchildren: Finn, Rory, Charlotte, Thomas, and Gibson; and a host of nieces and nephews whom she adored. Mildred earned a degree from Madison College (now JMU), beginning her career as a teacher. She had many vocations and was active in volunteer work through her church, Bon Air United Methodist, where she was a long-time member of the Jean Craig Circle and a representative to Shineforth (formerly UMFS). She was a friend and mentor to many, and she cherished her church friends and her friends at Buckingham Woods, who continued to visit her when she moved to assisted living. The family would also like to thank the staff of Spring Arbor of Salisbury, who she came to love during her two years there. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, April 28, at 2:30 p.m. at Bon Air UMC, 1645 Buford Rd., Richmond, VA 23235, with a reception following the service. Mildred expressed her desire that in lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory would be made to Shineforth, 3900 West Broad St., Richmond, VA 23230 or the United Women in Faith at Bon Air UMC.