George R. Ritchea

George “Buck” Ritchea, age 73, received a private call inviting him to come and join our Savior, family, and friends in heaven on Sunday, April 25, 2021 at his home in Washington County.

He was born on Feb ruary 28, 1948 in Wheeling, WV, the son of the late Memsie and Elsie (Heath) Ritchea of Wheeling, WV.

George graduated from Sherrard High School in 1965. Following his service in the U.S. Army in the Vietnam War, he married the late Judith Dianna (Kiger) Ritchea on November 7, 1970.

George worked as a bus driver for Schwartz for 26 years and then retired in 2007. This was an anticipated call, and one that allowed him to pass from this life to the next peacefully and to be surrounded by family and friends. While on earth his life was not easy, nor devoid of heartache, but he did try to live life to the fullest. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and playing poker with family and friends. One thing about playing poker with Dad it was never dull or boring, instead it was usually loud with a lot of laughter. Dad also enjoyed watching old western movies, and if the movie was a John Wayne movie, all the better. Thanks to this obsession we can pretty much quote all the John Wayne movies word for word. One of his favorite pastimes was the retelling of stories of people, places, and occurrences during his life. Many of those stories began with “You would never believe what those kids on the bus did today, “My brothers and I”, “Sis can you do this for me?”, and “Let me tell you about the time…”

Surviving are four children, Terry (Gary) Loughman of West Alexander, PA, Rosella (Dave) Ealy of West Alexander, PA, Melissa (Brandon) Gerbhardt of West Liberty, WV, and Margaret (Geoff) Baird of Wheeling, WV; a sister, Pearl Dourgherty of Dallas, WV, and four brothers; Norman Ritchea of Dallas, WV, Donnie Ritchea of Dallas, WV, Denny (Wanda) Ritchea of Elm Grove, WV, and Dave Ritchea of Dallas, WV; along with nine grandchildren, five great grandchildren, and many beloved nieces, nephew, great nieces, and great nephews.

In addition to his parents and wife he was preceded in death by a grandson, Drake.

We ask that you join us in celebrating his former life here on earth, and his new life in heaven on Thursday, April 29, 2021 from 2-4PM and 6-8PM, at the Dallas United Methodist Church, 7355 Dallas Pike, Dallas, WV 26036. The funeral service will be held Friday, April 30, 2021 at 11AM at the church with Pastor Lisa Fox, officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. View Cemetery in Dallas, WV, with full military honors conducted by the United States Army and the West Alexander American Legion Post # 656 Honor Guard. Services have been entrusted to Kesterson-Rush Funeral Home, LLC., 3275 W. Roy Furman Hwy., Rogersville, PA 15359. Telephone: 724-499-5181.

Please view and sign the online tribute wall at www.kestersonfh.com.