Art P. Ritchie

Art Ritchie died Sunday, June 9 at his home in La Grande at the age of 83.

Friends and family are invited to the Ritchie home on Saturday, July 20 at noon for a time of sharing memories and honoring his military service.  Private inurnment will be at the Elgin Cemetery.

Arthur Philip Ritchie was born on July 12, 1940 in Billings, Montana to Donald Kilburn Ritchie and Helen Gertrude (Kellison) Ritchie.  He was raised and educated in Walla Walla/College Place area.  After he completed high school he entered the U.S. Air Force and served during the Vietnam era.  After his honorable discharge he returned to the Grande Ronde Valley where he worked for the lumber mill in Union.  He met Judy Ann Mason and they were married in Cove on December 31, 1969.  Art went to school to learn how to service and repair office machines and equipment, skills he put to use while working for D.W. Halls Office Machines.  After many years that business ended and he started his own called Arts Business Machine Repair which he operated until technology and age encouraged his retirement.

Art was active in the Eagles Lodge and maintained his membership even after the La Grande Aerie closed.  He was also very active at American Legion Post 43 in La Grande, where he will continue to be remembered for his famous chicken-fried steak.  He loved fishing and camping and especially loved any gatherings of family.

Surviving relatives include his children & spouses, Shawn Ritchie of Kamela, and his partner Barbara Normandy, Rod & Kristi Ritchie of La Grande, Danny & Sherri Ritchie of La Grande, Leanne and Jimmy Keen of Winder, Georgia; 7 grandchildren, Jarred, Jessica, Austin, Hope, Kyndra, Tabatha and Lizbeth; 7 great-grandchildren, Tristin, Drake, Brantley, Riley, Harper, Hollie and Hudson, siblings & spouses, Jim Ritchie of Mineral, Washington, Hazel Hagen of Vancouver, Washington, Jeanne & George Peacock of Baker City; numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives and many friends.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 44 years, Judy in 2014 and grandson Nathan in 2012.

Contributions in memory of Art Ritchie may be made to the American Legion Post #43, 301 Fir St., or the Blue Mtn. Humane Assn., 3212 Hwy 30, La Grande, OR 97850.

Online condolences may be left at www.danielsknopp.com on Art’s tribute page.