PAWNEE ROCK — James F. Ritchie, 89, passed away in his home on March 18, 2026,

Born Dec. 8, 1936 in Versailles, Mo., son of Ora Jackosn Sr. and Ruth Maxine Stafford Ritchie.

James was a Christian as well as a member of the American Legion. He served in the Airforce then returned home to work in construction and as a mill right.

James married Theresa Leah Messersmith who preceded him in death in 1981.

Survivors include his son, Maurice Ritchie of Pawnee Rock; siblings, Dennis Ritchie of North Carolina, Virgil (Penny) Ritchie of Lewis, Christenia Page of Grand Junction Colo., Jeanne Vratil of Larned, and Sondra Seeley of Wichita; four grandchildren; and five great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Ora Ritchie Jr., Harold Ritchie Sr., William Ritchie, Stanley Ritchie, and Gary Ritchie.

Graveside service will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday March 26, 2026 at Pawnee Rock Cemetery, Pawnee Rock, Kan. with pastor Jarred Smith presiding. Visitation will be held 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at Beckwith Mortuary, Larned.

Memorials may be given to Pawnee County Humane Society in care of Beckwith Mortuary, P.O. Box 477, Larned, Kansas 67550. Personal condolences may be left at www.beckwithmortuary.com. 

Funeral arrangements provided by

Beckwith Mortuary

P.O. Box 477

Larned, Kansas 67550

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 21, 2026