Maxine Ritchie Obituary

Maxine Josephine Orem Ritchie was lifted into the hands of our Lord on November 25, 2003, in Little Rock, Arkansas. Maxine was born to Josephine Jackson Orem and Emmett A. Orem on January 17, 1920, in Akron, Ohio.

Maxine graduated from Ravenswood, West Virginia High School in 1938, and Mountain State College in 1940. She reigned as Miss Ravenswood in 1938 and was honored as Jackson County Farmer of the Year in 1944. Maxine married Arthur Harmon Ritchie in 1941. She was active as Boy Scout Leader, Band Booster President, and PTA Vice President. She also participated in community activities such as Welcome Wagon, Green Hills Country Club Secretary, American Lung Association Regional Chairman, Eastern Star, Oriental Shrine and Jesterette. Maxine worked with the 14 Club and helped bring bands such as Duke Ellington to their little town nestled in the hills of West Virginia.

In the late 1960s, Maxine and Arthur moved to Little Rock, Arkansas, where she became active in the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and served as the Vice Regent for the Gilbert Marshall Chapter. She also participated in the Mayflower Society, Fuller Society, and Quilters Guild. To continue her involvement in the lives of her children and grandchildren, she was a member of the Pulaski County PTA, Arkansas Arabian Horse Association and English Riding Club of Arkansas. She was a member of First United Methodist Church.

Maxine was predeceased by her loving husband, Arthur H. Ritchie, and siblings, Holly Orem, Ruth Orem Burdette, Pauline Orem Harmon, Edward Jackson Orem, and Eura Denver Orem. She is survived by her four children, Arthur Clark Ritchie, Suzanne Gash, William Jackson Ritchie and Elizabeth Davis; grandchildren, Angela Wilgus, Matthew Davis, Jerry Skaggs, A. J. Skaggs, Judd Blaney, Josh Ritchie, Conner Ritchie, and Jenni Ritchie. Maxine had five great-grandchildren.

Memorial services will be held at First United Methodist Church, Little Rock, Arkansas, on Saturday, November 29, 2003, at 1:00 p.m. Jeeannie Burton will be officiating with arrangements by Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth, 5800 W. 12th, Little Rock, Arkansas, 501-661-9111.

Visitation following the service in the church reception hall.