The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1901-01-16
OBITUARY..

MRS. 9EBECCA ELIZABETH RITCHEY.
Matthew Acheson and Esther tLucas)
Calvin, was born near Brook lille, Pa,
March l, 1852, and died in Tionesta, Jan.
10, 1901.
Thus reads the alpha and omega of a
beautiful and well spent life. flushed
now in the stiffness that knows no awak-
ening here, telling us the spirit has fled
to the blessed eternity, lies all that is
mortal ofa noble woman whose life was
interviewer with every department of
public interest in our community. A
child OF the covenant, possessed with the
soul Of a genius, was rearea amid associa-
tions aud privileges that gave her culti-
waited mind, aud enabled her to become
grshG lady OF q eat mnsical proficiency.
In 1863, when but II years of age, Miss
Cal vim took charge of the musical de-
par,ment of the academy at Cosrica, Pa.
The academy at that time was in charge
of Prof. James Ritchey, now of Tarren-
tum, Pa, and his brother, Thomas Frank
lin Rtchey. Later Mr.. T. f. Ritchey be-
came a student at the Ann Arbor Uni
versity, graduating from the law d part
ment in 1874. On August l6, 1876. Miss
Calyin became the wife OF Thomas L.
Ri,chey, their marriage being solemnized
by the Rev. George Il. Vincent, d. D..
then pastor OF the United Presbyterian
churcn of Brookville, of which Miss
Calvin was a member. Mr.. Ritchey was
at that time practicing law in New Beth
leham and their home was in that place
till 1880, when they came to Tionesta.
which has continued TO be their home,
with the exception Of few years resi-
den.e in Oil City. The homelife of this
couple was lovely. In all places they de-
lighted TO receive and entertain guests
and Tionesta has never known a more
charming hostess than Mrs. Ritchey.
She was woman Of great force of char
actet and her charming manners and gra-
In this home two sous and one daughter
were the delight of true mother heart,
and the wise councils and earnest en-
treaties OF a mother who was the highest
type of womanhood cannot easily be for
gotten. Her affection for her aged moth
er and her only sister-Mrs. Essie Me-
Kee of Reynoldsville-was beautiful. In
every relation of life she was pattern of
filial, conjugal, material and social virtue
and no one will be more sadly missed
than she. Hers is an influence that will
live Tor ages to come. She was deeply
religious, loving to frequent the house Of
God, and her devotion to Christ and His
cause was a distinguishing feature of hel
character.
In early life she became member Of
the United Presbyterian ChHrch, and at
the time of her marriage she transferred
her membership to the Presbyterian.
For many years she was a teacher in the
Sabbath school, a member Of the Y. p. S.
c. f., president of the Home Missionary
siciety and secretary of the Ladies Aid
society. At the last meeting Of the Clar-
ion Presbyterial Home Missionary soci-
ETY. she was elected vice-president OF the
Presby terial society. In all these depart
ments of church work she was Jealous
and untiring i'm her devotion. Mrs
Ritchey was also a member of the Chill
dren's Aid Society and Grand Master
Deputy of the Daughters of Rebekah Of
Forest county. This is but a barren
statement of an intensely active life of
one who was foremost in doing those
things which told for the bettering Of hu-
manity, and leaden cloud settles over
the heart as we think Of the deep loss in
the family and community.
OF her immediate relatives who sur
vive her are the afflicted husband, two
sons, John Calvin and Thomas Franklin,
Jr., one daughter, LenOre and n mother
and sister. This stricken household have
| the sympathy of the entire community.
The floral offerings were many, beauti.
| inl and abundant. The funeral services
we're held at tho house Friday evening at
| 80 and were conducted by her pastor,
| Rev. j. V. McAninch.
Among the friends and relatives from a
/ distance who attended the funeral were,
/ Prof. Ritchey of Tarrentum, DR.. Ritchey
of Oil City, Mrs. Blanche Ramsey Lytch
/ of Brookville, Mrs, Pierce of Missol ri,
| Miss Lizzie Ritchey and Mrs. Martha
| Shoemaker. sisters of Mr.. Ritchey, DR..
] G. d. Baker of COnneaut, Ohio.