BIOGRAPHY

Margaret Ritchey was born in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, USA, on 7 April 1909, one of seven children born to parents Lewis Cass Heffner (1871–1941) and Minnie Belle Russler (1877–1962). At some point, she married James H. Ritchey (1902–1984), with whom she had six children. Her husband pastored at the Nazarene Churches throughout Pennsylvania.

Ritchey was an active member of the Church of the Nazarene, where she taught Sunday School and served as Treasurer for the church’s missions department. A perfectionist by nature, she took great pride in her embroidery and crocheting, crafting each piece with care. She also found joy in tending to her flower garden. She credited her longevity to her faith in God, her dedication to following His plan, a strong work ethic, a healthy diet, and abstaining from harmful habits. In April 2015, she transitioned to the Concordia Nursing Home.

Margaret Ritchey passed away at Concordia Nursing Home in Cabot, Pennsylvania, on 16 October 2019, at the age of 110 years, 192 days. She was survived by two of her children (James A. Ritchey and Leona M. Chamberlain), 14 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, 23 great-great-grandchildren, and one great-great-great-grandchild.

RECOGNITION

Her age was verified by Eli Logan, and validated by LongeviQuest on 22 April 2025.

ATTRIBUTION

* “Happy Birthday” – The Huntingdon Daily News, 6 April 2019

* Margaret Jane Heffner Ritchey – Find A Grave

* Margaret Ritchey Obituary – Copeland Funeral Homes (Coraopolis)

GALLERY