Charles Edwin Ritchie

Charles (Charlie) Edwin Ritchie, 81, TSgt, USAF, Retired, of Ontario, California, passed away on April 1, 2025 after months of debilitating illness. Born to parents Russell A. Ritchie and Frances Fiedler Ritchie (Wood) on Dec. 26, 1943 in Streeter, Illinois, he was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Joseph, and his sister Phyllis Penalosa. He is survived by a sister, Delores Boerstler (George), his step father William O. Wood, and several cousins.

Charlie graduated from Roosevelt High School in Honolulu, HI, and attended the University of Hawaii and participated in ROTC training there before enlisting in the US Air Force. While in the Air Force he achieved the rank of Technical Sergeant, and was awarded the following: Presidential Unit Citation (twice), Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Korean Defense Service Medal, and the Air Force Longevity Service Medal.

Following his retirement from the Air Force Charlie attended California Polytechnic University, Pomona, CA, earning his Bachelor of Science degree. After graduation from Cal Poly, he settled in Ontario, CA, where he lived until his passing. Charlie was most happy 10 years ago when he was with the love of his life, Vivian, and was particularly excited when they traveled together to his birthplace in Illinois, visiting family members there. He was an avid bowler and participated in several leagues year-round, and was proud of achieving a perfect score of 300 during league play in 2011.

A long time member of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Upland, Charlie was proud and fervent in his faith, participated in the adult choir there several years ago, and always looked forward to participating in fundraising activities at the church. Final committal will take place at Riverside National Cemetery at a later date (TBD). In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) in Charlie's name.