Edward Ritchie

Edward ‘Ed’ Ritchie, 74, of Elkhart, Indiana, passed away comfortably on the evening of December 31, 2024 , thanks to the angels working in Intensive Care at Elkhart General Hospital.  His family is grateful for their compassionate care. Eddie Jr. was born in Muncie, IN on December 25, 1950 to the late Edward James and Marilou (Conner) Ritchie.

Ed is survived by his brothers, Michael P. Ritchie, and Russell C. (Anita) Ritchie; as well as his nieces, Elizabeth Ritchie, Amanda (Spencer) Hershberger, and Heather Miller, and two nephews, Zachary Conner Ritchie and Wyatt Edward Ritchie. His youngest brother Tim passed away on 10/21/2024, age 68.

Ed graduated from Elkhart High School in 1969, and was a member of the state championship track team, as well as a valuable contributor to a Cross Country team that won 99 consecutive meets, earning himself a scholarship to run for DePauw University, Greencastle, IN. 

Ed left the Elkhart area in the early 70’s to seek his fortune. He was an accomplished salesman, selling cars in Elkhart, and then taking his charms and skill to Las Vegas and California, where the used car business thrives. Ed’s sales branched out to selling guns and knives at weekend shows.  Business was great until the “Brady Bill”.

Inexplicably; most likely due to the love of a woman, Ed settled into an hourly pay job, working at ‘The Squirrel Cage’, a haunted, high-security jailhouse museum in the Council Bluffs area.  

Ed married four times in his life, and managed to screw things up quickly the first three times. His words. Specific details of Ed’s marriage history are left to those who where there, but his last wife, Kathy, died after a ten year relationship where Ed learned much about love, family, commitment, and humility.

Following a stroke, Ed returned to Elkhart, to be with family for his remaining days.

Had he been healthier, Ed wished to be a counselor for drug and alcohol addiction. AA and over 30 years of sobriety helped Ed find a more fulfilling life, and he wanted to help others.

Per the family’s request, services will be held at a later date. Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home is assisting the family with cremation.

Condolences in Ed’s memory may be sent to the Ritchie Family at 225 West Lusher Ave, Elkhart, IN 46517.

To leave the family an online condolence, please visit the funeral home website.

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