Elmer Ritchie

Elmer Ritchie, 84, of Versailles, passed away at 12:05 p.m. on Sunday, November 15, 2020, at St. Elizabeth Dearborn Hospital in Lawrenceburg.

Born December 30, 1935, in Knott County, Kentucky, he was the son of Gabe and Norsie (Ritchie) Ritchie. He married Ruth Elaine Richardson on August 31, 1957, in North Vernon; she preceded him in death on October 21, 2010.

Elmer worked 40 years for Berry Materials handling dynamite and as a crusher operator. He was a member of Austin Regular Baptist Church and 37-year member of Teamsters Union. Elmer enjoyed gardening, dogs and looking at Christmas lights.

Survivors include his sons, William (Debra) Ritchie of Scipio, Donnie Ritchie, David (Lisa) Ritchie and Joe Ritchie, all of Versailles, and Roger (Sherrie) Ritchie of Columbus; daughters, Gena Short and Rosemary Ritchie, both of Versailles; brothers, Bert Ritchie, Carneil Ritchie and Frenchie Ritchie, all of North Vernon; sisters, Marie Perry of North Vernon, and Rachel (Rex) Perry of Sebring, Florida; fifteen grandchildren; twenty one great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; sister, Malvery Hartwell; and grandsons, Steven Short, Brian Short and Lamont Johnson.

A funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 19, 2020, at the Dove-Sharp & Rudicel Funeral Home and Cremation Service in North Vernon. Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Wednesday, November 18, 2020, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and one hour prior to the service on Thursday. Burial will be in the Butlerville Cemetery in Butlerville.

Memorials may be made in honor of Elmer through the funeral home to the Austin Regular Baptist Church.

In compliance with CDC COVID-19 guidelines, only 50 people will be allowed in the funeral home at a time. We thank our families for their continued cooperation during these difficult times as we strive to help keep our community safe. Masks are required.