Fredie Ritchie

Passed away on October 15, 2019, in Battle Creek, Michigan. Fred was born in Battle Creek, Michigan to Knorbert Ritchie and Ferrol Slentz on May 2, 1933. He went to Marshall High School and enlisted with the United States Air Force his junior year. He went on to earn a G.E.D. degree and certificates in aircraft maintenance from the USAF. Fred received the National Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal and was a member of the 94th Fighter Interceptor Squadron during his 8 years of service. After leaving the Air Force, Fred began his career in law enforcement. He was an officer with the Albion City Police Department for 2 years, then with the Battle Creek City Police as a detective for a year. He then went on to serve on the Calhoun County Sherriff’s Department for 12 years where he made sergeant. He then went to work for AAA Insurance where he retired after 22 years. Fred is survived by his wife of 46 years, Carolyn A. Ritchie of Climax; their sons, Michael (Jessica) Ritchie of East Leroy and Mark Ritchie of Athens; six wonderful granddaughters, Kayla Ritchie of Climax, Savannah and Sydney Ritchie of East Leroy, Abigail, Megan and Brooke Ritchie of Athens; one grandson, Christian Tyler of Jenison; one great granddaughter, Gracie Tyler of Jenison. He was preceded in death by three siblings; Skip, Patty and Ron; and his daughter, Annette Conklin (Ritchie). A private funeral service was held at St. Philip Roman Catholic Church. Donations may be made to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Tel: 1-800-805-5856. www.stjude.org/. Arrangements by the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home and Cremation Services. www.henryfuneralhome.org