"BETTY JOYCE RITCHEY nee Tate, of Bourbon, formerly of Cuba and St. Clair, passed away at her home (Granny's House) surrounded by her loving family on Thursday, February 4, 2010, at the age of 85 years, 10 months and 2 days.

Betty was born on April 2, 1924 in Dallas, Wisconsin to Archie and Marvel (Gaylord) Tate.

Betty had a great sense of humor and an even greater love for life. She always had a smile on her face and never knew a stranger.

She was united in marriage on October 24, 1940 in Wentzville, Mo. to Roy Welch Ritchey, Sr. and 8 children blessed their union.

Betty loved to travel, ride roller coasters, dance and taking trips with her daughters. She was a TOPS member in Cuba, Mo. for many years.

She was the oldest active member in the Water Aerobics class at Taurus Gym in Bourbon taught by her granddaughter.

She also enjoyed her many grandchildren and had plenty of popsicles on hand for when they visited her. Betty was a member of the First Baptist Church in St. Clair for many years until she moved to Cuba, Mo.

Along with her parents, Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Roy; two daughters, Barbara Hanneken and Patricia Ritchey; three grandchildren; three great grandchildren and one sister, Yvonne Kalb.

She is survived by one son, Roy Welch (Buz), Jr. and wife Barbara of Foley, Mo.; five daughters, Nancy Cooper of Kansas City, Mo., Joyce Ritchey of St. Clair, Betty Ritchey of St. Clair, Donna Holdmeier and special friend Owen Smith of Bourbon and Bonnie Cebulak and husband, Dennis of Perryville; one sister, Carol McNew and husband Roy of Winona, Missouri; over 100 grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; other relatives and many friends. She will be sadly missed by all who loved and knew her.