Obituary

Patricia Ann Ritchey, age 81 of Litchfield Park, AZ succumbed to Parkinson’s Disease on February 14, 2020.   She was born October 31, 1938, in Brea, OH to John and Alice (Mulica) Filipek.  She graduated from The Ohio State University in 1961 with a degree in Education.

Patricia was a resident of Litchfield Park for over 52 years and was very active in her community, helping to nurture it into the thriving town it is today. She was a founder of the original “Country Fair,” which benefited the Library Guild, substitute taught for Agua Fria and Avondale School, and offered countless hours of volunteering for her children in the classroom, with Boy and Girl Scouts, St. Thomas Aquinas, Little League, and many other organizations. She and her family were one of the 35 founding families of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church and watched it blossom into the vibrant church that it is today.

Patricia married James Ritchey in 1961 and enjoyed a 58-year marriage.  They were blessed with three children and six grandchildren. Jeff, his wife Caiti, and their children, Grace, James, and Colleen Ritchey; Laurel Ritchey, and her daughter Alyssa Stokes; and Kevin, his wife Sue and sons, Matt, and Garrett Ritchey; and two sisters, Judith (Roger) Ecker, and Peg Dylag.   She was preceded in death by her parents John and Alice Filipek.

A memorial mass will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, February 21, 2020, at St. Thomas Aquinas, 13720 W. Thomas Road, Avondale, AZ  85395, with a reception to follow at 1:00 pm at the Old Pueblo Café, 102 N Old Litchfield Rd, Litchfield Park, AZ 85340. Interment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery.   All are welcome to attend and celebrate Pat’s life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Litchfield Park Historical Society at 13912 W Camelback Road, Litchfield Park, Arizona 85340. The family would like to thank the caregivers at Hacienda Del Rey for their care, dedication, and love. Condolences for the family may be left below.