Helen Ritchie Lough

She was born August 12, 1929 in Hinton , Va and was the daughter of the late Clarence Edward Ritchie and Beulah Mae Coberly Ritchie. She graduated from Dayton High School with the Class of 1946 and married her former classmate Carroll Dean Lough August 22, 1949.

Helen was the ultimate homemaker as she found great joy in cooking, cleaning, and caring for her family. In her later years she especially loved spending time with her great grandchildren. Her home was always where the family gathered during the holidays and special family events as she took great pride in decorating, entertaining, and cooking exquisite meals.

She is survived by two children, Steve Lough of Harrisonburg, Va. and Kim Merle and husband Scott of Clay, NY. Grandchildren, Kelly O’Brien and husband Kyle of Harrisonburg, Va., Aaron Lough and wife Denise of Harrisonburg, Va., Lane Lough of Norfolk, Va., and Ryan and Justin Merle of Clay, NY. Also great grandchildren Patrick and Andrew O’Brien.

Preceding her in death is her husband of 66 years, Carroll Dean Lough. Two brothers, Clarence Ritchie , Jr. of Harrisonburg, Va and Robert (Bob) Ritchie of Dayton and a sister Ethel Owens of Crozet, Va. She is survived by a brother Lloyd (Buck) Ritchie of Penn Laird, Va. and sisters Thelma Rexrode of Harrisonburg, and Hazel Hirsch of Glen Burnie, Md.

Special recognition goes out to the doctors and staff of The Bridgewater Retirement Community. Also while still at home thanks to Cathy Thompson, Rhonda Fisher, Elaine and Michelle Estep.

There will be a funeral service at the Chapel of the Lindsey Funeral Home, 473 S. Main St., Harrisonburg, Va. on Tuesday May 6, 2014 at 10:00am with pastor Steve Bird officiating. Burial will follow at the Dayton Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Monday evening May 5, 2014 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the funeral home.

The family has asked in lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be sent to your local March of Dimes Chapter.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.lindseyharrisonburg.com