Mrs. Virginia Eckard Ritch

Virginia was born October 8, 1926 in Catawba Co. to the late Paul Herman and Mary Hefner Eckard.

In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, George E. Ritch, 2 brothers, Walter Lee Eckard and Paul C. Eckard and a sister, Margaret Hahn.

She was a member of St. Stephens Lutheran Church, ELCA and retired from Hickory Tavern Furniture.

Surviving are a son; Michael R. Ritch and wife, Pam of Conover, granddaughter; Crystal Goin and husband, Jake of Taylorsville, great grandson; Malachi Ryan Poarch of Taylorsville and a great granddaughter; Evanna Leigh Goin of Taylorsville, sister; Patricia Sain and husband, Scott of Hickory, brother; J. D. Eckard AND WIFE, Carol of Daytona Beach, FL, sister-in-law; Rosie Eckard of Boone and a number of nieces and nephews.

Services will be Saturday, September 3, at 11:00 AM at St. Stephens Lutheran Church, ELCA with the Reverend Richard Hites officiating. The body will be placed in the church 30 minutes prior to the service.

Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends Friday from 7:00 – 8:30 PM at Hickory Funeral Home and at other times they will be at her residence.

Memorials may be made to St. Stephens Lutheran Church, ELCA, 2259 12th. Ave., NE, Hickory, N. C. 28601or to Palliative CareCenter & Hospice of Catawba Valley, 3975 Robinson Rd., Newton, NC 28658.

Condolences may be made online at www.hickoryfh.com.

Hickory Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.