Jacob "Jake" Ritchie, age 78, of Wooster, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, June 2, 2021 at University Hospital Geneva Medical Center, Geneva, Ohio following complications stemming from Covid-19. His family was by his side.
He was born on January 2, 1943 in Paintsville, Ky. to Mosie and Mae (McFadden) Ritchie and has been an area resident for most of his life.
After receiving his Bachelor's Degree in Accounting from the College of Wooster, he married the love of his life, Louise "Weeisie" Ritchie at the home of the bride on November 22, 1968 in Wooster. She survives.
Jake had served in the US Air Force as a Medic and also with the Ohio Army National Guard as an MP during the Vietnam Conflict.
He had previously worked for the US Postal Service in Wooster as a Letter Carrier for over 30 years. Following his retirement, he then worked for Yoder's GreenHouse in Apple Creek.
He was a devoted member of West Hill Baptist Church where he served in many capacities including head usher and belonged to Caleb's Kin. He was also a life-time member of VFW Local Post 108 where he also served as Chaplain. He was an avid fisherman.
In addition to his beloved wife, he is survived by a son, Philip Allen Ritchie of Wooster; a daughter, Kelly Louise (Joshua "Josh") Hickey of Wooster; grandchildren, Brandon and Diamond; brothers, Larry (Ogla) Ritchie of Arizona and James Ritchie of Apple Creek; a sister, Bonnie (Jerry) Ash of Ohio; numerous nieces and nephews; Butch and Carol Hostetler who was like a brother and sister along with and their family; best friend, Phillip "Uncle Phil" (Debra) Morton of TX and another close friend, Paula Walton and family.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a sister, Brenda Franklin.
A visitation will be this Thursday from 2 - 4 & 6 - 8 p.m. at Custer-Glenn Funeral Home, 2284 Benden Dr. in Wooster.
A memorial service will take place on Wednesday, 11:00 a.m. at West Hill Baptist Church with Pastor Eric Fairhurst officiating.
Inurnment will take place on Thursday, 3:00 p.m. at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Seville. (If going in procession to the cemetery, please meet at the funeral home no later then 1:30 pm on Thursday)
Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to either: American Heart Association, 1575 Corporate Woods Pkwy., Uniontown, OH. 44685 or American Cancer Society, PO Box 22478 Oklahoma City, OK 73123.
Words of private or public condolences may be shared with the family at: www.custerglenn.com.
Custer-Glenn Funeral Home in Wooster is honored with serving the family.