Obituary: Ritchie, Joann Virginia

Age 78

Sun., June 21, 2015

RITCHIE, Joann Virginia (Age 78) A Memorial for family and friends was held at Joann’s home in her flower garden in Spokane Valley, WA.

It was an opportunity to share her history, gifts, talents and her many civic accomplishments.

Joann was born in Fort Huachuca, AZ to Leonard and Margaret Walker.

Her father’s career in the military began a life of travel and enthusiasm for new places and people.

Her talents included: flower gardening, cooking, all arts and crafts, decorating and remodeling projects, and especially the last several years; tole painting.

This led to her final love of painting and providing “Memory Boxes” for several local hospitals for families of stillborn children .

She is survived by her husband of almost 58 years, Harold Ritchie of Spokane Valley; daughters, Lori Ritchie of Portland, OR, Debbie (Brian) Knowlton of Spokane Valley, Mari-Lynn (Kim) Crumpacker of Spokane; son Greg Ritchie of Spokane; grandchildren: Jolene, Richard and Pete Knowlton, Chris and Ginger Crumpacker, and great-grand- children: Thomas and Clara Knowlton.

She will be remembered as a creative, loving, devoted mother, wife and friend.

A special thanks to the wisdom of Wendy Knowlton, D.O.

who’s loving direction provided peace and comfort at the end for Joann and her family.

Donations can be made in her name to: Hospice House of Spokane (South; 367 E. 7th, P.O.

Box 2215, WA 99210-2215 Memory Box Painting Group to guarantee its continued success: Joyce Powers, miltwho2012@gmail.com

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