Betty Ritchie

Betty Culbreth McLean Ritchie, a resident of Harrisburg, NC, unexpectantly passed away on November 15.  Having celebrated her 90th birthday on September 30, she was continuously active as a dedicated servant in her church and tireless volunteer in the community until her death.

A native of Raeford, NC, Betty graduated from Hoke County High School and, in 1950, received a BA degree in Bible and Social Studies from Flora Macdonald College (now St. Andrews University).  At Flora Macdonald, she was President of the Christian Association, May Queen, and selected for Who’s Who in American Universities and Colleges.   She served as a Director of Christian Education in the First Presbyterian Church of Wilson, NC and in two Presbyteries in the Synod of NC before her marriage in 1954 to the late Rev. Stuart A. Ritchie.  Betty supported Stuart in ministry at Presbyterian churches in Fayetteville and Troy, NC and Amity Presbyterian Church in Charlotte.

As a teacher, she was on the staff of a pre-school in Troy, NC; a Montessori School in Laurel, MD; and, after receiving her teacher certification in mathematics at UNCC, she taught at two Charlotte junior high schools--Cochrane and Hawthorne. In 1984, she was chosen as Teacher of the Year at Hawthorne.

A former Elder and Moderator of Presbyterian Women, Betty received a Life Membership in Presbyterian Women in 2001.  In 2018 she was honored by Charlotte Presbytery with a Legacy award, given to senior adults in recognition of outstanding service in church and community.

Betty served as Chief Judge for her voting precinct in Cabarrus County for many years.  She remained actively involved in other community organizations.  She was a member of Alpha Delta Kappa, an honorary sorority for women educators, serving as President for two terms and an Executive Board member for many years.   Coordinator of volunteers for the Harrisburg Public Library since 2010, she was honored by the NC Library Association as Volunteer of the Year in 2013.  Betty volunteered at the Center for Community Transitions for several years, and in 2017 was chosen as Volunteer of the Year.   She also supported the Red Cross as a lifelong blood donor.

Betty was the daughter of the late H.R. and Sadie Culbreth McLean of Raeford.  She is survived by two sons, Mac Ritchie of Trabuco Canyon, CA and John and his wife Theresa Ritchie of Frisco, TX; grandchildren are Courtney, Taylor, Troy Ritchie, Chad (Sydney) Ritchie, and Kayla (Alex) Gary; two sisters, Mary (Wyatt) Aiken of Morganton, and Hazel Hubbard of Gaffney, SC.

A memorial service for Betty will be held at Newell Presbyterian Church on Saturday, December 15, 2018, at 2 pm.  The family will receive friends at the church following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Newell Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 68, Newell, NC 28126, or to Friends of Harrisburg Library (FOHL), 201 Sims Parkway, Harrisburg, NC 28075.

Hartsell Funeral Home-Harrisburg is serving the Ritchie family.

On-line condolences at www.hartsellfh.com.