Merle A. Ritchey, 85, of Greencastle, PA, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 25, 2026, at Menno Haven Brookview Healthcare Center in Chambersburg, PA, surrounded by her loving family.
Born December 23, 1940, in Beaver, PA, Merle was the daughter of the late Alfred Edward Schueler and Margaret Elizabeth Schueler. She graduated from Beaver Area High School and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in education from Wittenberg University in Springfield, OH.
Merle began her career as a Home Economics teacher in Baden, PA, and later taught in Greencastle, PA. She eventually began a second career with Citicorp, where she worked as a fraud analyst. No matter what role she was in, Merle brought the same qualities to her work and to her relationships—patience, thoughtfulness, and a genuine desire to help others.
Her faith and her family were at the heart of Merle’s life. She was an active member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Greencastle until she moved to Menno Haven in Chambersburg. Her faith provided her with strength and comfort throughout her life, and she carried that faith into the way she cared for those around her.
Merle found joy in the simple things: tending to her garden, working on needlepoint, cooking for the people she loved, and spending time with family and friends. She had a special gift for making people feel welcome and included. She was the person who noticed when someone needed a helping hand and quietly stepped forward to offer it.
Merle rarely put herself first. She was always willing to give her time, attention, and love to others, often putting their needs ahead of her own. Her kindness was not something she simply talked about, it was something she lived every day. She made people feel cared for, valued, and remembered. Those who knew her will carry that example with them.
Merle is survived by her three children, Todd and Kathleen Ritchey of Hamilton, VA; Susan and Eric Bailey of Republic, MO; Scott and Erin Ritchey of Clear Brook, VA; 10 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and her sister, Janet Schueler of Canton, OH. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister, and her love for her family was one of the greatest joys of her life.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Howard Ritchey, who passed away on August 30, 2020. Their life together and the family they built remained an important part of Merle’s heart throughout her life.
Merle leaves behind much more than memories. She leaves behind the lessons she taught through the way she lived: to have faith, to care for others, to make room for everyone, and to always lend a helping hand. Her warmth, generosity, and unconditional love will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to one of the following in Merle’s memory:
Menno Haven Benevolent Fund https://mennohaven.org/give/
Evangelical Lutheran Church https://www.elcgreencastle.org/
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Online condolences may be offered on her memorial page at www.zimmermanfh.com/obituaries
