Judith Ann Ritchie

Rockford- Judith Ann ""Judi"" Ritchie, 72, passed away peacefully Wednesday, January 21, 2009, surrounded by her family, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Her parents, Mary Bertha (Pensinger) and Theodore ""Jim"" Monks of Rockford, welcomed their daughter on December 13, 1936. Graduate of Rockford West Senior High, class of 1954. On January 21, 1956, she was united in marriage to Robert Eugene ""Bob"" Ritchie in the Second Congregational Chapel of Rockford. She loved being with her family, valued her friendships and was a very devoted mother with a love that was endless and unselfish. A beautiful, caring and thoughtful person always finding time to help others or put a smile on someones face even during the toughest moments of her illness. She supported and encouraged her children and grandchildren always taking more delight in their accomplishments than perhaps they did themselves. Throughout her life, she enthusiastically continued to expand her knowledge and develop her talents to reflect the new opportunities or challenges that came her way. Employed at Smith Oil, Sears, Warner Lambert Credit Union and numerous Rockford area dentists offices. She enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and Co-founded an online campers club that gathered others with the same passion from around the country. Judi took pleasure in crafts and oil painting, stain glassing, her flower garden and treasured everything Christmas. She will be missed terribly but with the knowledge she will be well protected until we are to meet again. Survivors include her husband of 53 years, Robert; her 3 children, James H. Ritchie of Rockford, Suzanne M. (Alan) Ritchie Stanek of San Francisco and Karen K (Phillip) Asher of Manchester, England; grandchildren, Erica and Aaron; great grandchildren, Ashlynn, Jonathan, Rianne and Graven; sister, Joni Lindgren of Elgin and her nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her parents. Funeral service Monday, January 26, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at Riverside Community Church, 6816 N. Second St. Loves Park, with Rev. Dr. William R. Kerr, Sr. officiating. Interment in Willwood Burial Park. Visitation Sunday, January 25 from 1:00 3:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Riverside Chapel 3910 N. Rockton Ave. and will continue Monday from 9-9:45 in the church. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to: Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Illinois Chapter, 651 W. Washington Blvd., Suite 400 Chicago, IL 60661-2237.