Christine Joan Ritchie

Christine Joan Ritchie, 73 of Gaylord, passed away Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at home. She completed life’s journey surrounded by her loved ones. 

Born in Bethesda, Maryland on January 31, 1951, and raised in Wayne, Michigan, she was the daughter of Larner and Joan (Friend) Peak. 

Chris dedicated her life to her family. A hard-working mother of four, Chris never complained about the hardships she was dealt. She always focused on loving her family and enjoying the simple pleasures in life. 

Always involved in the community, she was an active volunteer at the Gaylord Eagles Club, and an avid casino goer, and couldn’t resist her scratch off tickets. Coffee was her elixir of life. Playing euchre was a must at any family gathering. Knitting and sewing was a true talent and passion of hers, always making gifts and costumes for her grandkids. 

She loved movies, especially the classic films of John Wayne. No movie star shined brighter to her than the Duke. She had a contagious laugh and brought warmth, relaxation, and love to all those around her to which she now brings again to her son and grandson in heaven. 

She will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Her family takes solace in knowing her pain has ended and that she will be watching over them hereafter. If you wish to celebrate Chris simply partake in one of her simple pleasures and know she’s joining you with a smile. 

Surviving are her children, Michelle (Jamie) Hicks of Gaylord, Sarah Ritchie of Gaylord, and Mary (Mike) Robbins of Rocky Mount, NC; grandchildren, Devin (Anna) O’Rourke of St. Johns, Samantha (Tim) VanSickle, Jamison (Meghan) Ritchie, Morgan (Tony) Wescott, Jacob Ritchie, and Jaxson (Kim) Taskey all of Gaylord, Brent Ritchie, and Kelly Rose Robbins both of Rocky Mount, NC; several great grandchildren; her daughter-in-law Janet (Scott) Taskey of Gaylord; a brother, Matthew (Judy) Peak of Brighton; sisters, Beatrice (Laurence) Long, Theresa Southard, and Lizabeth Peak all of Gaylord; and many nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her son, John Ritchie; grandson, Austin Ritchie; her father, Larner Peak; her mother; Joane DeWaele; stepfather, Larry DeWaele; a sister, Emily Thayer; and a brother, Joseph Peak. 

A celebration of her life will be held at the Gaylord Eagles Aerie #1825, 515 S. Wisconsin Avenue, from 1:00-4:00 PM Sunday, August 11, 2024. Those who wish are asked to consider memorial contributions to the family.

 Please share your memories and personal messages with the family on the guestbook below.