Vonda Coleen Ritchie, 88, passed away Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Joplin, Missouri. Vonda was born February 3, 1935, in Stotts City, Missouri to Emil Gilmore and Lera (Hood) Gilmore. Vonda was a longtime member of the Avilla-Carthage community. After retiring from Butterball, she worked as a greeter at Walmart. Vonda was of the Baptist faith. She was a huge fan of the Grand Ole Opry. Vonda was a loyal Kansas City Chiefs fan; her favorite being Patrick Mahomes! She enjoyed going to garage sales and attending auctions regularly.
Vonda was united in marriage to Kenneth Ritchie July 12, 1952, in Harrisonville, Arkansas; he preceded her in death July 18, 1978. She is also preceded in death by Emmett Parks, her longtime companion.
Vonda is survived by one daughter, Una Nettles and her husband, Dan, of Joplin, Missouri; two sons, Steve Ritchie and his wife, Anita, of Carthage, Missouri and Keith Ritchie and his wife, Cindy, of Sarcoxie, Missouri; five grandchildren, Kristal, Terry, Brandy, Tissy, and B.J.; thirteen great grandchildren; and seven great-great grandchildren.
Vonda is preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Ritchie; longtime companion, Emmett Parks; her parents, Emil and Lera Gilmore; brother, Bill George Gilmore; sister, Naomi (Gilmore) Hill; and a granddaughter, Kelsey Ritchie.
A graveside service will be held 10:00 am Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at Harvey Cemetery, LaRussell, Missouri. An open visitation will be held from 1:00 to 5:00 pm Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at Ulmer Funeral Home, Carthage, Missouri.
Online condolences may be made at www.ulmerfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Ulmer Funeral Home.
