Ralph Melvin "Bub" Ritchie, 83, of 6730 state Route 219, Celina, died at 10:05 a.m. April 28, 2008, at his residence.

He was born June 19, 1924, in Montezuma, to Wilbur and Mary Peggs Ritchie. On Oct. 16, 1948, he married Ruth Brehm, who survives in Celina.

Other survivors are two daughters, Donna (George) Kinnison, Coldwater, and Jean Kovar, Van Wert; a sister, Hazel Goodwin, St. Marys; three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Deceased are two sons-in-law, Dan Fleck and James Kovar; and a brother-in-law, Forest Goodwin.

He retired in 1986 from the former Speicher Brothers, Celina, and was a field technician for 55 years working in South Africa, Hawaii, Holland and Canada. He was a member of St. Paul's United Church of Christ in Rockford, and served in the U.S. Navy.

Services are 2 p.m. Thursday at Lehman-Hogenkamp-Dzendzel Funeral Home in Celina, the Rev. Catherine Costello officiating. Burial is at St. Paul's United Church of Christ Cemetery.

Calling is 4-8 p.m. Wednesday and one hour prior to service on Thursday at the funeral home.

Contributions can be made to the Cancer Association of Mercer Co., Inc.

Condolences can be left at lhdfuneralhome.com.