Mary Louise Ritch

Mary Louise Ritch, the daughter of the late W. B. and Floye Atterberry Plunk, was born in Gideon, Missouri on May 17, 1936, and passed away at her home in Dexter, Missouri on October 26, 2006, at the age of 70 years, 5 months and 9 days. She had been a resident of Essex and Dexter most of her life. She had worked for the International Hat Company in Dexter and St. Louis. She was of the Baptist faith. On March 17, 1968, she was married to Charles Ray Ritch in St. Louis County, Missouri. Surviving are her husband, Charles Ritch of Dexter, Missouri; one son, Billy Gene Lusk of Parma, Missouri; two daughters, Sherry Louise Leathers and Lorene Barney both of Dexter, Missouri; five step-sons, Doug Ritch, Dennis Ritch and Donald Ritch all of Dexter, Missouri, Darrell Ritch of Grayridge, Missouri, David Ritch of Sikeston, Missouri; three step-daughters, Beverly McMullin and Sheila Bone both of Dexter, Missouri and Linda McGarity of Paducah, Kentucky; ten grandchildren; sixteen great grandchildren; and one brother, Ora Teeters of Circle City, Missouri; two grandsons, Gary Leathers and Michael Wolff; and two great grandsons, Aaron Leathers and Gavin Wolff. Other relatives and friends also survive. She was preceded in death by one son, Lee W. Lusk and one brother, Billy Plunk. A Memorial gathering for family and friends will be held on Sunday, November 5, 2006, from noon until 4:00 P.M. at the home in Dexter, Missouri with Bill & Judy Tanner of Sikeston, Missouri officiating. Watkins & Sons Funeral Home in Dexter, Missouri in charge of local arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.watkinsfuneralhome.com