Obituaries

Heather E. Ritchey, 44

November 03, 2022

Heather E. Ritchey, 44, of Holtwood, PA passed away at home on Thursday, November 3, 2022. Born in Lancaster, PA she was the daughter to Karen (Eckenrode) and the late Kevin Ritchey.

Heather was loved by everyone: her family, her friends, her beloved cat, Peaches, and by all animals she encountered especially squirrels. Heather studied Criminal Psychology at HACC, graduated from broadcasting school and voiced several commercials on local radio. While working at Homestead Retirement Village she enjoyed meeting residents and creating movies of their life stories. Hobbies she excelled at included cross stitch and cooking. Heather loved everyone she met, taking road trips, visiting museums, watching horror movies, “The Walking Dead” and “I Love Lucy”. She was an avid supporter of animal rescues.

Heather is survived by her mother, Karen; her sister Jennifer Ritchey wife of Raymond May, Ross Ritchey husband of Kira Kegg, and her cat Peaches. She was preceded in death by her father Kevin; her maternal grandparents: Shirley and Ronald Stubbe and Harold Eckenrode; and her paternal grandparents Barbara and Francis Ritchey.

A Funeral Service will be held at 1PM on Tuesday, November 8, 2022, at the Charles F. Snyder III Funeral Home and Crematory, 2421 Willow Street Pike, Willow Street, PA 17584. Family and friends will be received from 12PM until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the animal rescue of your choice.

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Condolences to the Family

June 21, 2023

I only found out about Heather’s passing.  She was the best babysitter in the world.  She even brought back treats from her trip to Hawaii for my children.  She was such a caring and kind person.  I am so sorry for her family’s loss.  

January 14, 2023

Karen I’m very sorry for your loss. Heather was my best friend thru middle school. She had this crazy awesome spirit and your family taught me what a good family was like. I’m so sorry this is late. I just heard today. May God bless u with peace and happiness 

November 30, 2022

I was so sorry to hear of your passing. I have the cross stitch you made me for my wedding hanging up in my room and I just love it. I was lucky to meet you through work (Neff PT) and always enjoyed our conversations!

November 14, 2022

I am so broken hearted, I just cannot believe you’re gone. Our paths crossed sometime between 1987-1989 while doing a school project, and we became pen pals and best friends. 33+years of being so lucky to have you as my best friend, its impossible to imagine life without you. You are finally free from all the pain and negative issues.  I love you Heather, I already miss you so much.  
     Rest In Paradise

November 11, 2022

So sorry to hear of your loss Karen. I think I only met Heather a couple of times but saw her lots on Facebook. She seemed like such a love filled person. Love,
Lilikette Eckenrode 
p.s.  please stay in touch. Here’s my cell number 917-601-8017 in case you don’t have it. I don’t take unknown calls so please identify yourself if you use it. Take care and be well. 

November 09, 2022

Good night, Heather. Or should I call you “Squirrel Bait”?  🙂  May your new home be filled with animals and people who love you and are loved by you. It was always a pleasure to see you, whether by design (reunions/visits) or random encounters (as happened for us at least a few times). I wish it could have happened more frequently, but so it goes.
— André & MaryAnn Eckenrode

Visitation
Tuesday, November 08, 2022
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Charles F. Snyder III Funeral Home and Crematory
2421 Willow Street Pike
Willow Street, PA 17584
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Services
Tuesday, November 08, 2022
1:00 PM
Charles F. Snyder III Funeral Home and Crematory
2421 Willow Street Pike
Willow Street, PA 17584
Map and Directions

Get Maps and Directions >
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Offering Lancaster, PA funeral services for over 75 years.

Our seven funeral homes in Lancaster and Lebanon Counties makes it easy and convenient to make arrangements and host services close to home.

  • Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home Lancaster
  • 414 East King St.
  • 717-393-9661
  • Charles F. (Chip) Snyder, Jr. Funeral Director / Supervisor
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  • Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home Lititz Pike
  • 3110 Lititz Pike
  • 717-560-5100
  • Charles F. (Chad) Snyder, III Funeral Director / Supervisor
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  • Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home Millersville
  • 441 North George St.
  • 717-872-5041
  • Mark D. Burkholder Funeral Director / Supervisor
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  • Spacht-Snyder Family Funeral Home Lititz
  • 127 South Broad St.
  • 717-626-2317
  • Jacqueline Adamson Funeral Director / Supervisor
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  • Bachman-Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory Strasburg
  • 7 South Decatur Street
  • 717-687-7644
  • Norman T. Mable Funeral Director / Supervisor
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  • Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home Willow Street
  • 2421 Willow Street Pike
  • 717-464-4600
  • Kelly Gramola Townsend Funeral Director / Supervisor
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  • Snyder Bean Funeral Home & Crematory Lebanon
  • 890 Isabel Dr.
  • 717-272-4634
  • Kati Fetter Funeral Director / Supervisor
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