Merlin Ritchey, 84, departed this life on October 22, 2014 at his home in Valentine, NE. He was born Feb 16, 1930 in Fairmont, NE to Frank and Edith (Klein) Ritchey. He was the youngest of nine children, including two brothers and six sisters. He grew up in Fairmont, and graduated from Fairmont High School in 1947. He worked odd jobs with his father at the Fairmont elevator before joining the U.S. Army and served his country stationed in Korea for the Korean War.
Upon returning from his service he began a long career at YRTC, formerly the Girls Training School in Geneva, NE. Merlin was employed for 37 years as maintenance supervisor and retired in 1992.
He was married to Lois I Stephen on October 22, 1950 and to this union was born one daughter, Patty Jo.
He was preceded in death by his first spouse Lois I (Stephen) Ritchey in 1983, second wife Ruth (Hasselman) Ritchey in 1991 and daughter Patty Jo (Ritchey) Faubion in 2002. Merlin was also preceded in death by his parents, brothers Arthur and Earl, and sisters Lucille, Helen, Bernice, Mildred, Merna, and Vivian.
After experiencing great loss in his life, he found Gloria Davis, who brightened his world. They were married in 1992 and lived in Valentine, NE.
Merlin is survived by his wife Gloria, grandson Mike (April) Faubion, granddaughter Sara Faubion, great granddaughters Izzy & Emmy, son-in-law Brian (Pam) Faubion, all of Lincoln, stepson Curt Reddington of Norfolk, stepson Don (Mary) Hasselman, step granddaughters Anne, Amy, and Christine.
Merlin loved life, had a lot of interests and was talented in many things. Merlin always enjoyed roller skating and later in life, dancing. He was very proud of his outside decorating at Christmas, growing beautiful flowers and his wood-working. His greatest joys were spending time with his and Gloria's families. He will be deeply missed by everyone whose heart he touched.
Funeral service for Merlin Ritchey was held on Friday, Oct. 24 at 7:00 PM at Sandoz Chapel of the Pines in Valentine. Graveside service was held on Saturday Oct. 25 at the Fairmont Cemetery in Fairmont, NE. Sandoz Chapel of the Pines was in charge of service arrangements.