Thelma Gertrude Ritchey, 98 of Mechanicsburg died early Wednesday morning May 4, 2016.

            She was born March 27, 1918 in Altoona a daughter of the late Amos Ross and Annie Myrtle (Tilson) Wolfe. She married Francis I. Ritchey, Jr. on June 30, 1937 in Altoona. He preceded her in death on January 27, 1996.

            Surviving are her son in law Wesley of New Town Square, PA; a son, Rev. F. Ross Ritchey of Mechanicsburg; seven grandchildren, Matthew Robinson, Joel Robinson, Missy Rodgers, Tera Weaver, Nicole Byerly, Stephen Robinson and Beverly Adams; seventeen great grandchildren; and one great great granddaughter.

            She was preceded in death by a daughter Gloria, a daughter in law Alice, a son in law Earl Soyster and four brothers.

            Mrs. Ritchey was a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church, Mechanicsburg and continued as the pianist of the Berean Sunday School Class until she was 95.

            She retired from a drapery shop in Altoona, Pa. as a seamstress.

            Thelma enjoyed sewing, knitting, and spending time with her family.

            A Memorial service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday May 31, 2016 at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 4681 East Trindle Road, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050 with Pastor Steve Crews officiating.  In lieu of flowers a memorial fund will be set up at Emmanuel Baptist Church in the name of Travis and Beckly Gravley, missionaries to Romania.

            Interment will be made at Alto Reste Park Cemetery.