Sylvia Anne Ritter Richardson

Sylvia Anne Ritter Richardson, 82, passed away on Sunday, January 24, 2016, in the arms of her family. Sylvia was born August 31, 1933 in Richmond, Kentucky. She was the oldest child of Edward Goebel and Fanny Newby Ritter. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Dr. Edward G. Ritter, Jr.

Sylvia is survived by her husband of 62 years, Charles Ray Richardson and daughter Sylvia Fran Richardson.

Sylvia joined and was baptized in the Dixie Trail Christian Church in 1964. She volunteered with the Red Cross and she and Charles worked together on several national disasters.

She is also survived by her grandson Edward Ritter DeCastro, his wife Dr. Elizabeth and their daughter Lyla of Seward, Alaska. Edward spent lots of time during his young years with Sylvia and Charles. He called her “a story book grandmother”. She is also survived by cousins in Richmond, Kentucky as well as life-long friends.

Sylvia lost her father at the age of six. Her mother raised the two children in a manner that reflected much love and caring. No one had a better prom dress or baseball glove than Sylvia and her brother.

Sylvia died in the same house in Raleigh as her mother

died on June 6, 1987. Sylvia and Charles had diligently

taken care of Fanny during a prolonged illness.

Sylvia wanted her maternal grandparents mentioned,

Coy Newby and Melinda Masters Newby. They provided much support to the family in the early years.

Sylvia attended Richmond, Kentucky schools and

graduated from Madison High School in 1951. She attended Eastern Kentucky College where she met Charles. Charles graduated with an Army commission in 1952 and they started life together in the Army at Camp Breckinridge, KY.

Sylvia was always thinking of others. She loved meeting people whether in a grocery store line or as a Red Cross Volunteer, but she especially loved children and always kept “prizes” on hand for children who visited. She was the favorite aunt and the mother everyone wished could have been theirs. Her daughter’s friends all came over after school for hot fudge sundaes and the warm, loving environment she provided. A true Southern Belle she insisted on make-up and lipstick until the end.

Sylvia desired to return home to Richmond, KY where she will be buried in her family plot in the Richmond Cemetery. A service will be held at a later date. She said Raleigh and North Carolina are wonderful, but Kentucky is home.

Arrangements in Raleigh by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, Saint Mary’s St. and in Kentucky by Oldham, Roberts & Powell Funeral Home.

Condolences may be made through brownwynne.com or orpfh.com.