Esther Lillie Ritchie, 85, of Urbandale passed away on October 14, 2018. Memorial services will be 11 am on Thursday, October 18 at McLaren’s Funeral Chapel (801 19th St. - West Des Moines). Visitation will begin at 10:30 am until service time. Burial will be at Resthaven Cemetery.
Esther was born on Easter Sunday, April 16, 1933, to John and Helen (Stewart) Rowley in Des Moines. She graduated from North High School in 1951. Esther married Charles “Bud” Ritchie on February 3, 1952, in Des Moines at the Central Lutheran Church. In 1966 Esther and Bud adopted their only son Eric.
Esther greatly enjoyed her time working with the National Travelers Life and all the close relationships she made in her time there. She loved traveling with her husband and listening to live music. She had a special relationship with all three of her nieces and loved dogs and cats.
Esther was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, gardening, sewing, and volunteering. Esther volunteered with the American Lung Association, the American Cancer Society, and the Urbandale Library. She donated many handmade hats and quilts to local hospitals and hospices alike.
Esther is survived by her son, Eric Ritchie, granddaughters; Bailey Ritchie and Casey Ritchie all of Urbandale, nieces; Sandy (Gary) Rewalt of Ankeny and Pam (Al) Hudson of Des Moines, sister in law, Barb Burton of Branson, MO, many cousins, grandnieces and grandnephews, close friends, and two cats. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bud, her parents, three brothers; Art, Les, and Frankie, a sister, Helen, and a niece, Yvonne.
The family would like to give a special thanks to all who participated in the care of Esther during her stay at the Lutheran Hospital Transitional Care Unit and Methodist Hospital. Memorials may be given to the American Lung Association of Iowa or the Animal Rescue League of Iowa.
