Bessie Ellen (Bennett) Ritchey was born the daughter of Rufford G. Bennett and Bessie Lorine (Mitchell) Bennett on January 10, 1947, in Dalton, Arkansas, and departed this life at her home on December 23, 2015, at the age of 68 years.
She was united in marriage on May 14, 1971, in Hamil, Arkansas, to Bobby Ritchey.
She is survived by her husband of forty-four years, Bobby Ritchey; three daughters, Bessie Ann Bicic and husband, Izet of Ravenden, Arkansas, Lucy Ellen Murphy and husband, Jason of Clifton, Virginia, and Lynn McCormack and husband, Dave of Poplar Bluff, Missouri; eight grandchildren, Gabriel Bicic, Samuel Bicic, Calla Murphy, Haley Murphy, Jaxon Murphy, Salah McCormack, Beau McCormack, and Carlee McCormack; five brothers, Kendall Bennett and wife, Sharon of Pocahontas, Arkansas, B.W. Bennett and wife, Jewell of Pocahontas, Arkansas, Neal Bennett of Myrtle, Missouri, Clifton Bennett and wife, Janet of Couch, Missouri, and Dean Bennett and wife, Remona of Myrtle, Missouri; three sisters, Glenda Upton of St. Charles, Missouri, Virginia White and husband, Doug of St. Peters, Missouri, and Jeneta Turner and husband, Perry of Thayer, Missouri; one sister-in-law, Betty Bennett of Frederick, Maryland; numerous nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Rufford and Lorine Bennett, and one brother, Russell Bennett.
Bessie was a graduate of Dalton High School, graduating with the class of 1965. She furthered her education at Southern Baptist College in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas, and graduated from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Arkansas, earning a Bachelors Degree in Education.
Bessie’s dedication to her church and her family was with love and devotion beyond measure. She was humble, kind, and always put the needs of others above her own.
Even as she struggled with the trials of her illness, her faith never wavered as she fought her battle with determination, grace, and dignity.
She was a Christian lady and a faithful member of the Myrtle First Baptist Church, serving as church clerk for many years.
She will be remembered as a beloved wife, cherished mother and grandmother, and loving sister. Her unconditional love and inspiration will never be forgotten, and her memory will live in the hearts of those who loved her forever.
Funeral Services for Mrs. Ritchey will be held Monday, December 28, 2015, at 2:00 PM at the Myrtle Free Will Baptist Church in Myrtle, Missouri, with Brother George Box officiating.
The family will receive friends at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer on Sunday evening, December 27th from 6:00 until 8:00 PM.
Burial will be in the Myrtle Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to the Myrtle First Baptist Church, and may be left at Carter Funeral Home in Thayer.
December 25, 2015 @ 8:15 am
So sorry to hear of Bessie losing her battle here on Earth. From my memories of her, I believe she is with the Angels!
December 28, 2015 @ 10:46 am
To the family of Bessie, I always enjoyed my visits with her while working at the bank, she was a very kind person, we had something in common, Melanoma and we would always ask each other how the other one was doing. I hate it she lost her battle, but from the experience I am going through at this time (taking treatments) she is no longer suffering! Sorry for your loss, RIP Bessie!