Maurice E. Ritchie, 86, of Lewisville, passed away Monday, Dec. 5, 2022 at his home.

He was born near Marr, on July 21, 1936, a son of the late Herman and Garnet Unger Ritchie.

He was a former employee of Baker & Sons Equipment, Lewisville, retired from the Monroe County Dept. of Engineers and a Franklin Township Trustee, and was a co-founder of the Sutherland Valley Western Shop, Lewisville. He was also a member of the Stafford United Methodist Church, Stafford; a member of Stafford Lodge #300, F. & A.M., Stafford, a member of the Monroe County Jr. Fair Livestock Sale Committee, a former board member of the Lower Salem Commercial Bank, a former 4-H advisor and founder of the Circle M Riding Club.

Maurice enjoyed farming, telling stories and talking to people. Prior to opening the business he also enjoyed showing horses. Later in life, he enjoyed attending cattle shows and spending time with the grandchildren.

Surviving are his wife, of 55 years, Hazel Pfalzgraf Ritchie, whom he married on June 10, 1967; one son, Neil (Heather) Ritchie, of Lewisville; one daughter, Christina (Chris) Huck, of Lewisville; and two grandchildren, Madison and Katelyn Huck.

Friends were received Thursday, Dec. 8, 2022 at the Watters Funeral Home, 37501 State Route 78 West, Woodsfield, where funeral services were held Friday, Dec. 9, 2022 with Pastor Terry Schmelzenbach officiating.

Burial followed in the Sutherland Cemetery near Lewisville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Monroe County Jr. Fair Livestock Committee, P.O. Box 248, Woodsfield, OH 43793.

Masonic services were held Thursday Dec. 8, 2022 at the funeral home.