Jerry Lee Ritchey
On March 2, 2022, Jerry Lee Ritchey, 81, of Malcom, left this earthly world to begin a new life with his Lord and Savior, surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and his soulmate in life.
On Aug. 11, 1940, Edward and Viola Ritchey welcomed their first-born, Jerry, in Lincoln. Joining in years to come were siblings Caroline Vander-Meer of Washington, James Ritchey of Lincoln, Mavis Canfield of Lincoln, and Marvin Ritchey, who is welcoming him to heaven.
Growing up in Lincoln, Jerry attended Lincoln Northeast High School, participating in Future Farmers of America, excelling in a variety of sports, and made it to the Nebraska State High School Wrestling Tournament, he graduated from high school in 1958.
Jerry built his family home in Waverly and became an active community member. He was a youth baseball and basketball coach, Scout Master for Troop 76 for several years, and a legendary Waverly Viking mascot, cheering on the high school teams for several years. Jerry was a home builder by trade and mentor to several young men sharing his expertise and passion in the construction world. He was also a member of the Home Builders Association of Lincoln.
Jerry was an active member of the Sesostris Shrine of Lincoln, he sponsored countless children who needed care at the Shrine Hospital. One of his biggest joys was waving to thousands as he paraded down numerous small and large town celebrations as a member of the Shrine Little Cars, Mustang and Corvette clubs. Jerry loved to go hunting, fishing, and you could find him cheering on his beloved UNL Women’s Basketball team.
Aside from being survived by his soul mate, Peggy Horn (aka his “lady friend”), Jerry also leaves behind his children, Denise Sampson, Columbus; Danny and Toni Ritchey, San Marcos, CA; Deanna and Mike Hayes, Lincoln; Danna and Chad Bacon, Waverly; and foster daughter, Cindy and Mark Krumm, Waverly; grandchildren: Randi Perry, Ryan Sampson, Matt Krumm, Wade Sampson, Shayne Ritchey, Nathaniel Ritchey, Caylub Hayes, Aaron Ritchey, Amanda Hayes, Autumn Hayes, Danielle Ritchey, Chase Bacon, and Dayne Bacon and great-grandchildren: Jayden, Trenton, and Alania Perry, Xandier and Thea Hayes, Daniel Sampson. He will also be missed by his fur friend, Tank the Cat.
