David A. Ritchey

Well known Senecaville civic and church leader David Ritchey died October 19, 2014, after a long but courageous battle with cancer, Dave was 78. Dave was most proud of the day in 2005 that he accepted Jesus Christ into his life. During his last months Dave often smiled as friends and family paid him a visit, saying he was ready and well-prepared for his transition into eternal life. He was loved by many in both Canton and Senecaville. Dave is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Annie (Patricia) Ritchey, his three children Jeff (Jody) Ritchey, Sheri (Dan) Judge, Janice (Kevin) Presley and 6 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Dave was an inspiration to many for his work with the Secrest Senior Center and the United Methodist Church, both in Senecaville. The church's small, historic summer meeting facility, The Old Concord Church at Seneca Lake, held a special place in his heart. He served as Chairman of the Church's operating committee and on several other church committees. He greatly enjoyed his work with the sack lunch program. Dave was a daily visitor at the Senior Center, and served on the Board of directors for 10 years and as Chairman for 4 years. He was born in Salem, Ohio on September 4, 1936. In 1941 his family moved to Canton, where he spent most of his working life. He enlisted in the Army in 1954 and served in Germany as a paratrooper. Later, Dave was trained at several schools and universities and became a metallurgist working in Canton for 30 years. In 1987, he and Annie moved to Seneca Lake after owning several weekend cabins on the water. He worked another 10 years at a plant in Caldwell. In 1999 they moved to their dream home, a large family farm house near the lake. There, he worked constantly to make their farm home into the real showplace it is today. Dave was always active. In Canton, he was a life member of the McKinley Pistol Club. He was an excellent shooter. Dave shared and taught his loved of the outdoors to his children. He and his son Jeff were avid and talented hunters and fisherman. He spent countless days in the field hunting and fishing at Seneca Lake and 6 other lakes in the region, often with his outdoor buddy, Bill Patterson or his son Jeff. Dave was very proud of his taking of deer by 6 methods: Longbow, crossbow, rifle, shotgun, muzzle loader and pistol. In Canton, he belonged to the Elks, Eagles and the VFW. Calling hours will be from 4:00 to 7:00 on Wednesday October 22, 2014 at Bundy-Law Funeral Home 120 North 11th Street Cambridge, Ohio 43725, with funeral services to be held at 12:00 Thursday October 23, 2014 at the Old Concord Church at Seneca Lake on State Route 313 passed the Marina with Rev. Tom Matus officiating. Burial in Senecaville Cemetery. After the funeral services at the church their will be a luncheon served at the Secrest Senior Center 201 High Street in Senecaville. Memorial contributions, Dave's hope was for friends to consider a donation to Secrest Senior Center P.O. Box 97 Senecaville, Ohio 43780. On-line guest book can be signed at www.bundy-lawfuneralhome.com.

David A. Ritchey

September 4, 1936 - October 19, 2014