Lillian Marie Ritchie (nee Cherry)

July 3, 1936 – November 8, 2025 

It was a life well lived.

Lillian Marie Ritchie (nee Cherry) was born in Lindsey, Oklahoma and spent her formative years in Merced, California. She graduated from Merced Union High School and grew up in a lively home as one of seven children. She was preceded in death by her parents Sidney and Nell Cherry, and two brothers Jim Cherry and Don Cherry. Lillian was also preceded in death by her beloved husbands, James “Jim” Ritchie and William “Bill” Killeen. 

She moved from California to Washington State, a place she grew to love. Life tested her at times, but Lillian had a resilient spirit. She adopted her son Tim in 1969 and raised him as a single working mother until she married Jim in 1982. Tim was Lillian's purpose, and Tim always knew he had her steady and unconditional support, even when he had done little to earn it.

Lillian took great pride in her work as a manager at Pacific Northwest Bell, where she made a big impact supporting company executives and developed many deep friendships that anchored her for the rest of her life. Following retirement, she poured her energy into playing golf and traveling with Jim and supporting Tim’s many activities.

Once Jim passed away, she had a second act with Bill and eventually the two of them settled in Mt Vernon, WA where she and Bill played golf and developed a tight-knit community of friends.

More than a few people describe Lillian as an instigator. She could turn an ordinary day into an event. She loved hosting parties, planning trips, dressing up for any occasion, and stepping onto a stage (likely in a costume) whenever she got the chance. She never missed an opportunity to bring others along with her.

She enjoyed music and travel, especially tours organized by Bronn and Katherine Journey, being a snowbird in Yuma, AZ, productions at the Fifth Avenue Theatre, trips to Europe, and cruises closer to home. Visiting family in Merced remained important and fulfilling throughout her life.

Lillian cared deeply about her community. She volunteered through the Telephone Pioneers of America and her churches, and she quietly supported a number of organizations including St. Joseph’s Indian School, First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mount Vernon, Habitat for Humanity, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Lillian passed away in Kirkland, Washington. She is survived by her son, Tim Ritchie, his wife Jacquelyn and their son Nathaniel Alber; sisters Barbara Cherry LePrevost (husband Rich), JoAnn Cherry Machado (husband Gary), Julie Cherry Robertson brother David Cherry and sister-in-law Kay Cherry. She will be fondly remembered by numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. 

A service will be held at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mount Vernon, WA on December 1, 2025 at 11:30 AM with a luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mt. Vernon, WA or EvergreenHealth Hospice Care, in Kirkland, WA.