Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Mary Jane Smilie Ritchie
1938 - 2025
BORN
1938
DIED
2025
UPCOMING SERVICE
Mary Ritchie Obituary
September 16, 1938 -
September 24, 2025
Mary "MaryJane" Smilie Ritchie died on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, in Charlottesville, VA at the Hospice House of the Piedmont after one peaceful night. She was born in Columbus, GA on September 16, 1938, to the late Andrew Herbert Smilie and Mildred Climer Smilie.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Herbert David Smilie and Robert Andrew Smilie; and dogs, Gunner, Stoney, and Daffy.
She is survived by her son, Tom Patrick Vox (Steve Duarte); her daughter, Joan Ritchie Kelly (Steve Kelly); and her dog, Daisy who has been graciously readopted to the Shenandoah Shepherd Rescue.
MaryJane graduated from Columbus High School, Auburn University, and East Tennessee State University. She taught in the city schools of Columbus, GA, Kingsport, TN, and Charlottesville, VA. She was Assistant Professor at ETSU working with early intervention programs for infants, student teaching in Special Education, and graduate teaching in Behavioral Management.
MaryJane loved her Rottweilers and Auburn Athletics "War Eagle!"
The family expresses gratitude and appreciation for the care she received from the UVA Neurosurgical Team as well as the loving and caring staff at Hospice House of the Piedmont.
Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at 10 am at St Paul's Memorial Church, 1701 University Ave, Charlottesville, VA 22903, with a burial of ashes in the Memory Garden following the service.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Hospice House of the Piedmont, https://hopva.org/donate-online-now/
An online guestbook is available at www.compassionatecremationva.com
Compassionate Cremation Services of Ruckersville, VA is handling the arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memorial Events
for Mary Ritchie
Memories and Condolences
for Mary Ritchie
6 Entries
Tom Bowman
Earlier today
I am incredibly honored having known Mary Jane - as a colleague, big dog lover, mahogany cake baker, wild flower expert, storyteller, Derby hat-wearer, fellow Episcopalian, and most of all a compassionate and knowledgeable friend. And then there´s her pimento cheese! Her last text to me was, "peace of the Lord, Tom". I replied, "thanks be to God". And so it goes.
Laura Coleman
Yesterday
All of us at PT Plus in Crozet enjoyed Mary so much. She was so kind, pleasant and fun to work with. I personally enjoyed her stories. I know how much she loved her children, and her dog Daisy. She was fiercely independent, and a great dog Mom. An all around great person who will be missed.
Johnna Little
Yesterday
Mary Jane was a wonderful friend, a spirited and independent woman and a fiercely protective dog mom. I was honored to be her friend! I will miss her. <3
S. Vidyananda
September 25, 2025
Mary Ambha Smilie Ritchie was a wonderful friend, teacher, and storyteller. May her soul be filled with peace and joy. Condolences to her children.
Suzy and Don Smith
September 25, 2025
Mary Jane was a very special friend to me my husband and my parents. We loved Mary Jane as if she were family. I will miss her terribly as will my husband but we are so much better off for having her in our lives. My deepest sympathy to you Joan and to Tom. Suzy
Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results
Make a Donation
in Mary Ritchie's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
How to support Mary's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Mary Ritchie's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
Sponsored anonymously