Judith Ann (Briggs) Ritchie was born in Portland, Oregon on September 10, 1940 to Rex Briggs and Lyda Mae Hollister. Judy was the tomboy little sister to her three older brothers, Jimmy, Jack, and Jerry. Her favorite thing to do with them was play football. As a young child they lived in Wood Village where she met her lifelong friend Maryann at the age of three. A few years later they moved to Portland where she attended Richmond Elementary and graduating from Franklin High School in 1958.
Judy met and married George “Phil” Ritchie on April 4, 1964. They welcomed their first daughter Jodi Ann on April 4, 1967 and second daughter Julie Lynn on August 24, 1969. Judy and Phil built a beautiful home in Oregon City in 1974 on the bluff where they raised the girls with lots of fun pool parties, family gatherings and even hosted a couple of weddings. Judy and Phil were married 36 years until his passing in January 2000.
Judy worked in medical field her entire working career as a medical assistant. Beginning in 1962 for Dr. Frank and Dr. Gorely at Lloyd Center. She became an EKG technician and worked at Woodland Park Hospital for several years. Judy and her friend Shirley Jette opened the first Gift Shop at the hospital in 1971. She went to work for Dr. Frank McBarron back at Lloyd Center in 1980. In 1986 Dr. Cynthia Ferrier join the practice and what began a long working relationship including Nurse Practitioner Mary Grant until her Judy’s retirement in 2003. Their relationship continued as friends meeting on Saturday’s at Starbucks for coffee and annual beach trips. During her retirement she volunteered for Meals on Wheels and at Willamette Falls Hospital. Judy was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church and the Oregon City and Gresham Elks Lodge.
For over 50 years Judy played monthly poker with her Lebanese pals. Surviving members are Betty Berryman, Joni Elski, and Suzy Kalpus. After Phil died she got reacquainted with old friends and formed the Golden Girls Group, members included Maryann Wimberly, Marlyce Tolvstad, Kathy Shay, Judy Hamm, and Wendy McWiliams. The last 16 years there have been many trips, fun times, and lots of laughter.
Her greatest joy was being grandma to Tyler, Kayla, Hailey, and Gracie. She loved them all unconditionally. She always supported them in everything they did and made every effort to have special moments with each.
Judy had a huge heart for children and animals and made yearly donations to Randall Children’s Hospital and Oregon Humane Society. She was a fan of many sports especially the Oregon Ducks and Portland Trailblazers. She played a good game of tennis. Judy loved music and dancing.
Judy, ("Mama Jude", "Grandma Judy") as she was known to many will be remembered for her smile, laugh, wit and endless energy.
Judy was preceded in death by:
Husband: George P. Ritchie
Parents: Lyda Mae Hollister and Rex Briggs
Brothers: James Rex Briggs and Jack E. Briggs
Brother in Law: Charles Ritchie (wife Stephanie)
Nephew: Jay Ritchie
She is survived by:
Daughters: Jodi Richardson and Julie Ritchie- Cody
Brother: Gerald H. Briggs (wife Laurie)
Grandchildren: Tyler Cody, Kayla Cody, Hailey Richardson and Gracie Marsolini
Cousins: Laura Takashima and Claudia Stearman
Brother in Law: William Ritchie (wife Betty)
Many nieces and nephews
Services are to be held at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home on Sunday, July 7 at 11 am. Following the service, please gather with the family at the Monarch Hotel,12566 SE 93rd Ave Clackamas, OR 97015.
It would be helpful for the family to have an estimate of the number of guests who will be attending the memorial on Sunday, July 7. If you will be attending, please use the "Add a Memory" tool on this page to leave a message to that effect, or else contact a family member with that information.
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