Beatrice Irene (Arledge) Ritchhart

Beatrice Irene (Arledge) Ritchhart, 79, of Chillicothe, passed away December 1, 2022, at her home surrounded by loved ones, following an extended illness.  She was born May 27, 1943, in Chillicothe, on her family's farm to the late Harold (Sr.) and Helen (Congrove) Arledge.  She attended Unioto High School and graduated in 1963.  She was born in a family of six children.  Beatrice and Nelson married on September 7, 1963 and were married 46 years until his passing.  Their family farms bordered one another, and the families were neighbors but became family with their unity.

Beatrice was preceded in death by her parents, husband Nelson J. Ritchhart, and her brother, Harold Arledge Jr. She is survived by three loving daughters, Teresa Alley, Michele (Tim) Dyke, and Jeannette (Randie) Mullineaux.  She often referred to her first grandchild, Ashley, as her fourth daughter because she was raised in her home as her own. Surviving are grandchildren, Ashley Ritchhart Phillips, Holden (Allyson) Dyke, Brandon (Tasha) Alley, Tyler Mullineaux, and Payton Mullineaux; her great grandchildren, Sierra and Jase Moore, Braxton and Laken Dyke, and Zoiey and Stetson Alley; brothers, Marvin (Ginny) Arledge, Loren Arledge, David (Brenda) Arledge, and Lloyd (Emma) Arledge; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Beatrice was a homemaker and her selfless efforts of raising a family continued with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She was known to many as Mama, Mama Moo-Moo, and Aunt Bea.  She was our biggest fan, if there was an award ceremony, ballgame, or 4H event, you could count on her being in the stands showing her support.  She was the matriarch of the family, and night or day, she was there for our needs.

She enjoyed the country life and raised chickens for many years.  She was famous for her potato salad in the summer and her Falter's ham and chocolate and banana crème pies during the holidays.  She loved the Ross County Fair and was always in attendance to support her family in their projects.  She was an avid Ohio State fan and enjoyed watching westerns and game shows.  She called and checked in on her family daily, she did this by talking to at least one of them, and then asking if they heard from the others.

Beatrice was once asked what her favorite day was, and she said, "Christmas, when all my children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren are all together."  During her lifetime, she showed everyone the true meaning of love.

She was a strong woman with few complaints, always had a smile on her face, and demonstrated pure determination, courage, and bravery.  Her illness allowed her family and friends to show her the selflessness that she showed us. Through her, we now know what resilience and perseverance truly look like.  She never gave up, and we never gave up.  "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" Matthew 11:28

We would like to thank Lori Allensworth and Sandy Hamlin for their love, support, and comfort they provided our mother.  They will forever hold a special place in our hearts.

Beatrice attended Springbank United Methodist.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 8 at 1:00 p.m. at the HILL FUNERAL HOME, Kingston with Pastor Mark Gray officiating. Burial will follow in Springbank Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 4 - 7 p.m. at Hill's. Condolences can be made on Beatrice's online guest registry at www.hillfhkingston.com.