FLORENCE IRENE (WHETSTONE) RITCHEY

Florence Irene (Whetstone) Ritchey, 89, of New Enterprise, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2020, at Homewood at Martinsburg.

A funeral was held Friday, Jan. 31, at the Koontz Church of the Brethren. Pastor Eric Poteat officiated.

Interment was in the Koontz Church of the Brethren Cemetery.

Florence was born on Jan. 3, 1931, in Charlesville, Bedford County, daughter of the late Harold and Gladys (Diehl) Whetstone.

She was united in marriage to D. Elwood Ritchey of New Enterprise on June 27, 1951. He preceded her in death on Oct. 24, 2002.

Florence is survived by daughter Ann Slippey (Greg) of New Enterprise; son Blair Ritchey (Lisa) of New Enterprise; daughter Donna Crawford (Dale) of New Enterprise; grandson Myles Crawford (Stephanie) of Gilbert, Ariz .; granddaughter Meredith Ruggles (Ethan) of Hollidaysburg; grandson Marcus Crawford of New Enterprise; great-grandson Lincoln Crawford; as well as sisters June Mountain (Charles) and Margaret Wachter, all of New Enterprise.

She was preceded in death by brothers David, Lee, Edward, Clyde and Harry Whetstone; and sisters Mary Ann Barger and Mildred Harr.

Florence worked by her husband’s side on the family farm for more than 30 years. During this time, she managed to be a wonderful mother and grandmother to her family. She and Elwood semi-retired in 1999. Florence continued staying on the family farm, after her husband’s passing, until 2019.

Florence was known to be an excellent cook and baker. She had quite the reputation for her gob cake and pies. She enjoyed sharing her “goodies” with family, friends, and even the summer time farm help.

Her other hobbies included tending to her flower beds and garden as well as reading.

Florence and her husband enjoyed the time they spent hosting foreign exchange students.

She was an active member of the Koontz Church of the Brethren.

If so desired, memorial contributions in Florence’s name can be made to the Koontz Church of the Brethren.

Arrangements by Weaver Funeral Home LLC, http://www.weaversfh.com, Woodbury.