Brenda J Ritchie

Brenda J. Ritchie a 58-year resident of Goodenow, Illinois. Born in Hartford Kentucky on October 3, 1939 At Rest January 10, 2024 Celebration of Life March 23, 2024, 12:00 pm.-2:30 pm. The Bennett Curtis House 302 W. Taylor St. Grant Park, Illinois 60940 Brenda was a homemaker and loving Wife to Dean for over 60 years, Mother to 3 of her own kids and Mom Ritchie to many others, Grandmother (they lovingly called “Bott”) to 3 grandchildren, Great Grandmother to Victor, and Papa Ritchie to several girls she loved as her own grandchildren. (no that's not a typo, lol). Over the years she held so many friends and family near and dear to her heart. She always loved entertaining, camping and cookouts, and of course everyone was invited. She wasn’t a fan of water unless she could see the bottom, but she went to the beach, boating on the lake and even on tubing trips with family and friends, never missing out on the fun. There was always plenty of room and more than enough food. At home she would tell you to make yourself at home, you knew where the refrigerator and coffee pot was. If you needed to stay, there were bedrooms upstairs and a basement, just find a place. Some of the best memories were of the early years when she would have her brothers, sisters and their kids for holidays and camping trips. It was such a crazy big group back then, but she loved all of it. When they were all together a little chaos was to be expected, but boy those where the outings continue to be some of the fondest memories, making for the best stories. The Ritchie holiday table was always full of family, friends, neighbors, and others that might be passing through or didn’t have anywhere to go. In their retirement years she and Dean enjoyed traveling to many cities with Dean’s 3rd Armored Division Reunion, they loved meeting that group several times a year. She enjoyed crocheting, embroidering, shopping, and playing cards with her lifelong dearest friends. She helped rescue many furry critters and enjoyed feeding and watching them from her deck. Most of all she loved watching her grandchildren grow. She attended as many sports games and school events as she could. Once you were in my mom’s life, you stayed in it, no matter the distance. She touched and loved so many hearts in her short 84 years here with us. She will be greatly missed here on earth, Heaven sure did gain one amazing lady. She is Survived by her husband of over 60 years, Dean Ritchie, her son David D. Ritchie, (Shelly), Daughters Tonjia K. Ritchie (Lloyd Day), and Debra J.R. Piepenbrink (Tim), Grandchildren: Jacob A.R. Bruns (Joann), Kenadie J.R. Piepenbrink, Ryan D.R. Piepenbrink and Great Grandson Victor A. Bruns. Brother’s, Geoffry S. Richards (Bonnie), Terrance J. Richards (Cheryl), Mark A. Richards (Nadine) Sister‘s Marsha E. Brack, Lana Smith-Bailey (Charlie), Sisters in laws Cindy Barr Richards, Sandra Mathews, Anita Smith. She is survived by many, many nieces, and nephews she adored and was so lucky to see grow up and meet their children, as well as many cousins, and dear friends. Of course, her big dirty dog “Dixie Bell,” she adored. She was preceded in death by her mother Wynona Earlene Duke Richards, Father Lloyd Edward Smith, Grandmother Artie (Mammaw) Baird Smith, Grandfather Jesse Smith (Pop), Uncle James L. Smith, Grandmother Mayme (Momma Mayme) Tucker Brown, Grandfather William Duke, Grandfather Raymond Brown, Sister Sharon L. Richards Glover (Perry), Her brothers Curtis D. Richards, Gregory W. Richards (Donna), William B. “Bubby” Smith. Dear Nephews, Bo Richards, Brett Richards, Dustin Richards, Great Nephew Johnathan Whitaker. Cremation Rites Accorded Hack-Jensen Funeral Home in Beecher are handling the arrangements.