Shirley M. (Hoover) Ritchey

Shirley M. Ritchey, 86, of Stoneboro, peacefully slipped away from the familiar surroundings of her home to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, July 17, 2022, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on September 27, 1935 to Ernest and Mildred (Young) Hoover in Bradford, PA.

She was married to Myrle A. Ritchey of Albion, PA on July 1, 1955. In 1966 they moved with their six children to Stoneboro, PA, so they could enroll their children in Christian Day School at Stoneboro Wesleyan School. She faithfully attended the Zion Wesleyan Methodist Church as long as she was able, and her heart always longed to be in church even after she was physically unable to attend. The spiritual welfare of her family was the most important concern of her heart and she carried each of her six children, their spouses, and her grandchildren daily to the Throne in prayer. She specified one day of the week for each of her children, and held that one up in prayer throughout that day for the remainder of her life.

Shirley was a dedicated and loving wife, mother, and homemaker. After her husband, Myrle, was injured in a semi-truck accident, she graciously and willingly found a housekeeping position at Franklin Regional Medical Center where she worked afternoon shift for several years to help meet the needs of the home until her husband completed his licensing requirements for a new career as an auto technician, after which she gladly returned to full time homemaking.

She was a very skilled seamstress and loved sewing for her large family. She made numerous quilts, and also became an expert rug weaver, assisted by her daughter, Bonnie, who also became her devoted caregiver of many years. Bonnie was joined in caregiving by the oldest daughter, Pam, as Shirley’s health continually declined, which acts of love are deeply appreciated by the other siblings. The family is closely bonded - a tribute to the loving atmosphere maintained in the home by godly, praying parents.
 

Shirley is survived by her six children, Pamela Reitz of Salem, OH; Clinton (Darla) Ritchey of Stevensville, MT; Bonnie Ritchey of Stoneboro PA; Phyllis (Bob) Thompson of Zephyrhills, FL; Clyde Ritchey of Hartstown PA; and JoAnn Ritchey of Cuba, NM.

She is also survived by one brother, Ernest Hoover, of Texas, 11 grandchildren, and 20 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, three brothers, her sister, and a son-in-law, Daniel L Reitz.

Family and friends may call on Thursday, July 21, 2022, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Robert L. Snyder Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 3223 Perry Hwy., Sheakleyville and on Friday at the Zion Wesleyan Methodist Church, 2485 Sandy Lake – Grove City Road, Sandy Lake from 11:00 – 12:00 pm with the funeral service to follow at 12:00 pm with Rev. Samuel West officiating.  She will be laid to rest next to her husband at the Oak Hill Cemetery, Sandy Lake.

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