Eldora Brock Ritchie

Eldora Ritchie Lenoir – Mrs. Eldora Jane Brock Ritchie, age 81, went home to be with her Lord on Monday, January 5, 2015 at Caldwell Hospice & Palliative Care. She was born in Atwater, OH on September 5, 1933 to the late Arizona and Mary Jane Brock. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her son, David Russell Ritchie; four sisters, two brothers and three grandchildren. Mrs. Ritchie is survived by her husband of 63 years, Paul E. Ritchie of Lenoir; daughters, Shirley Shiflett and husband, Allen; Janice Maynor and husband, Ed; daughter-in-law, Linda Abernathy and husband, Jerome; four granddaughters; three grandsons; three great-granddaughters; and five great-grandsons. The name Eldora means “God’s Gift”: which is a wonderful representation of her life of blessing and service to others in sharing the joy of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She served the Lord Jesus Christ at Bethel Colony of Mercy, a Christian transformation center, for 28 years where she was lovingly known as “Mama El.” Her children, grandchildren, and husband rise up and praise her for she was an excellent wife, mother, grandmother, and encouraged the men in the Bethel program through song and word. She will be greatly missed and remembered by many people who love her dearly. ACelebration of Mrs. Ritchie’s life will be held at Bethel Colony of Mercy’s Worship Center on Monday, January 12, 2015 at 2:00 with Reverend Paul Pruitt and Reverend Paul E. Ritchie officiating. Interment will immediately follow the service at Blue Ridge Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 12:00 until 2:00 prior to the service. The family respectfully requests that memorials be sent to Bethel Colony of Mercy, 1675 Bethel Colony Road, Lenoir, NC 28645. Online condolences may be sent to the Ritchie Family at www.evansfuneralservice.com Evans Funeral Service & Crematory of Lenoir is serving the Ritchie Family.