Marietta Ritchie

Marietta Ritchie, age 79, of Taft, Texas, passed away on September 5, 2011. The daughter of Dora and Ernest Beard, Marietta graduated from Taft Hugh School in 1949. She then attended Baylor University and the University of Texas, obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics from the University of Texas at Austin. While at Baylor University Marietta was one of the drum majorettes of the Baylor Golden Wave Marching Band. Upon transferring to the University of Texas in 1951, Marietta pledged the Delta Delta Delta sorority and was elected its president the following year.

Marietta married H. G. Ritchie Jr. on September 4, 1954, and three children were born of that 57 year marriage - Wesley Gorman Ritchie - Amy Lynn Ritchie Allen, wife of Dr. Monte Allen - and Andrew Mabry Ritchie, husband of Kimberly Ritchie.

Marietta and Gorman made their home in Taft, Texas, where she was a great supporter of the Taft Public Library and the Junior Woman's Club. Marietta also served as President of the Taft Chamber of Commerce and with the Taft Economic Development Board. In 2004 Marietta received the Kiwanis Club Citizenship Award for her dedicated service to civic activities, youth programs, and religious life in the Taft Community.

A loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, Marietta was a faithful member of the Church of Christ that meets in Portland, Texas.

Marietta is survived by her husband and her three children; by her sister, Dena Cobb of Nashville, Tennessee; her brother, Mabry Beard of Jacksonville, Texas; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of dear friends. She is also survived by her eleven grandchildren: Jacelyn Ritchie, Wesley Gorman Ritchie, Jr., Allison Ritchie, and Kendall Ritchie of Austin, Texas; Katy Allen, Travis Allen, and Austin Allen of Laredo, Texas; and Audrey Ritchie, Buck Ritchie, Major Ritchie, and Elise Ritchie of Portland, Texas.

Following a private family service, a celebration of Marietta's life and victory over death will be held on September 7, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at the Portland Church of Christ on Wildcat Drive in Portland, Texas. Revelation 2:10 - Be thou faithful unto death and I will give thee the crown of life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Taft Public Library; the Church of Christ in Portland Texas; or a charity of your choice.

Service Details

Wednesday, September 7th, 2011, 11:00am, Portland Church of Christ

Interment Details

Taft Memorial Park