Surnames: RITCHY BLACK CALAHAN RITCHEY

----Source: CLARK COUNTY REPUBLICAN PRESS (Neillsville, Wis.) 06/14/1883

Ritchy, Betsy (FEB 1815 - 7 JUN 1883)

Mrs. Betsy Ritchy departed this life at her home in the town of Weston, Clark County, seven miles from Neillsville, June 7th, 1883, aged 68 years and 4 months. Having been born in Scotland in 1815, she came to America in 1830 and settled in the region of Ogdenburg, N.Y. With her husband, Mr. Stephen Ritchy, she removed to Jefferson County, Wis. in 1855, and to Clark County in 1869. She thus became one our oldest and best known inhabitants.

Of twelve children only five are living. One son and two daughters live in the town of Weston, and one daughter, Mrs. Matilda Black, lives in the southern part of the state. Mrs. Isabel Calahan, of Lake Mills, Wis., arrived soon after disease had done its work.

Mrs. Ritchey was highly esteemed as a friend and neighbor, and was much honored in the church of which she had been a member for more than 40 years, and greatly loved in the home where she had presided for so many years. Her sickness was long and severe. Husband, son, daughters, and neighbors did all that they could to comfort and cheer her, but her greatest comfort was drawn from the Gospel. While that fearful cancer was eating away at her vitals her faith grew strong and her hope bright her last days were her best days the Savior was with her even down through the valley and shadows of death. The family and friends have joy even in the midst of their sorrow.

The funeral was attended from the Presbyterian Church in Neillsville, the pastor was assisted in the services by Rev. J.W. Sanderson, of Milwaukee.

We mourn her loss. Blessed is her memory, blessed her reward.