Patricia Jane "Pat" Ritchie
May 10, 1936 - June 24, 2025
Obituary
MADISON - Our beloved, vibrant, beautiful Mom, Grandma and Wife, was called to Heaven on Tuesday, June 24, 2025.
Patricia “Pat” was born in Dodgeville, Wis., on May 10, 1936, to Viola and James Holmes. She lived her early years in Cobb, Wis., where she met the love of her life and husband, Gerald “Jerry” Ritchie. Pat and Jerry were married on June 1, 1957, and lived a long, beautiful life together for 67 years, filled with life adventures, happiness and true love for one another and family. They moved to Madison, Wis., and welcomed their daughter, Reneé, and son, Tim.
Pat attended Madison Business College and worked as an Executive Secretary to support local engineering firms and the children's hospital in Madison. Pat was, first and foremost, a loving and ever-present anchor for her family. She taught us about unconditional love, dedication, family traditions, and striving to be our best selves. Pat was a "tiny but mighty" Norwegian, whose vibrant, witty, and loving personality shined through in all she did. Her life's work was spent raising and nurturing her family. Pat's grandchildren were an everyday part of her life, and she was ever-present at numerous dance competitions/recitals, poms performances, swim meets, hockey, baseball, and football games. Pat truly loved the long-lasting memories she created with family in her yearly trips to Sanibel Island, Fla., from beach time to outings to her island favorites (Jerry's, The Timbers, nightly treats at Dairy Queen).
Pat is survived by her children, Reneé Ritchie and Tim (Maggie) Ritchie; four grandchildren, Kera (Dan) Oryall, Kylie Denk (Alex Alexander), Patrick Ritchie and Daniel Ritchie (Samantha Spellman); as well as her brothers, Richard Holmes (Junzo Mori) and Harvey (Rosie) Holmes. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald "Jerry" Ritchie; her parents, James and Viola Holmes; and her sister, Judith "Judie" Slinde.
Dear Mom, Grandma, Pat -- You will live on in our hearts every day and you are loved tremendously. We know you are dancing in heaven with Dad, with Sammy always by your side. Our hearts are broken, but the blessings and guidance you have given us will outweigh our sadness. Heaven has truly gained an angel. May your spirit soar. We love you.
To honor Pat's wishes, in lieu of formal funeral services, an immediate family-only dinner will be held in the near future to celebrate her wonderful life and impact on us all.
Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761