Ritchie L. Ridall

Ritchie Lehman Ridall, 85, of Ephrata, passed away peacefully Monday evening, July 28, 2025.

Ritchie is survived by his three children: Cheryl Ridall of Austin, Texas, Rick Ridall (husband to Nichole) of Exton, Pennsylvania and Amy Ridall Campbell (wife of Michael) of Bolivar, Missouri and five grandchildren, Mikaela, Jake, Noelle, Brody and Wyatt.

An only child, Ritchie was born on November 12, 1939 in Mifflinville, PA to the late Leila Lehman Ridall and step father, Thomas Gaylord Ridall. He grew up in Mifflinville and attended Berwick High School where he was a baseball and basketball standout. After graduation, Ritchie continued his education by receiving an associate’s degree in chemistry from Delaware Valley College in Doylestown. He continued his education by receiving his microbiology and medical training from Franklin School of Science and Art. He used this education to become a lab technician at Phoenixville Hospital. After several years in healthcare, his professional career shifted into food safety and quality control.

With additional training and several certifications, he led quality control teams at Tyson Foods in New Holland, ASK Food, Inc., in Palmyra, PA, Four Seasons Produce, Inc., in Ephrata and John F. Martin & Sons in Stevens. He loved his work and the many colleagues he worked with throughout his career. After retiring, he still had the itch to work and spent mornings working as a floater for Henry Schein in Denver.

Ritchie was active in his church for many years. He was an avid sports fan – following his favorite college football teams, Notre Dame and the University of Texas, as well as the Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles. He loved to gather around a meal and enjoyed some of his meals at Gus’s Restaurant in Ephrata. He always loved when Gus stopped by his table to greet him. In his retirement, he started attending the Lititz Senior Center. He absolutely loved being there, enjoyed the staff and had several great friends he looked forward seeing every week.

He loved visiting his children and grandchildren locally in Exton and would travel to see his daughters in Austin, Texas and Southwest Missouri. When the opportunity presented itself, he enjoyed the peace of trout fishing.

In his happiest moments, he thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. He also kept in touch with dear friends from his hometown attending reunions annually. Ritchie found his place and home in Lancaster County and thoroughly enjoyed living in the Ephrata area for more than 30 years.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Lititz Senior Center at 717-626-2800.

Arrangements are private and will be at the convenience of the family. Online condolences can be made at www.gravenorhomeforfunerals.com. All arrangements are being accommodated by Gravenor Sipler Funeral & Cremation Centre in Ephrata, PA.