Afton Ritchie

Afton Maxine Anthony Ritchie, 88, of Ucon, Idaho, passed away December 30, 2015, at her home of cancer. She was under the care of her family and Encompass Hospice.

Afton was born September 3, 1927, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Harry Matthew Anthony and June Hansen Anthony. She grew up in Ucon and Grace, where she attended rural schools in the area, then moved to Idaho Falls with her family and attended Idaho Falls High School. She has lived in Ucon the last 68 years.

On October 8, 1945, she married William J. "Bill" Ritchie in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Their marriage was solemnized June 10, 1980, in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. To this union were born four children, William, Loyd, Junetta, and Susan. They made their home in Ucon, where Afton was a homemaker and mother. She also worked at various potato warehouses, including Kingston Produce, where she was named an outstanding employee, as a lunch lady at Ucon Elementary, and as a Foster Grandparent for many years at Fairview Elementary School. Bill passed away January 5, 2013.

An active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Afton served in the Relief Society, Library, and as a faithful visiting teacher. She enjoyed crocheting, playing the organ, picnics, reading, and especially loved helping children to learn.

Afton is survived by his son, William Gene Ritchie of Idaho Falls, ID; son, Loyd Max Ritchie of Idaho Falls, ID; daughter, Junetta Grace (Ken) Hale of Idaho Falls, ID; daughter, Susan Kaye Vineyard of Eden, ID; brother, Arnold Anthony of Idaho Falls, ID; sister, Marlene (LeRoy) Boone of Missoula, MT; 4 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; two sisters, Donna Wheeler and Jean Shults; two brothers, Conrad and Frank; daughter-in-law, Eileen Ritchie; and great granddaughter, Carly Jacquline Goodson.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 4, 2016, at the Ucon LDS Monument Ward, 10854 North 41 East, with Bishop Rodney South officiating. The family will visit with friends from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Monday at the church. Burial will be in Ucon Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made to Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge Avenue, Idaho Falls, Idaho 83401, to help defray funeral costs.