A Memorial Visitation for Kenneth “Jerry” Ritchie, Age 89 of Cabool, Missouri will take place on Tuesday, November 10th, 2026 at The Elliot-Gentry Carder Funeral Home, Cabool, Missouri from 4:00-6:00 PM.
Kenneth “Jerry” Ritchie was born August 10, 1937, in Lafayette, Indiana, to Raymond and Eloise Ritchie. He departed this life on November 3, 2026, at his home at the age of 89.
After moving around during his early childhood, Jerry and his family eventually settled in Chalmers, Indiana, where he grew up alongside his five siblings. He enjoyed participating in 4-H and working on the family farm. Jerry graduated from high school in 1955, serving as president of his graduating class.
In 1957, Jerry married Laurice, and two children were born to this marriage, Kenneth and Kimberly. He later married Candance Trenet in 1984 and welcomed another daughter, Jennifer Shoppell, into his family. Jerry spent many years working for Indiana Farm Bureau, retiring as Claims Director. In 2001, shortly after his retirement, Jerry and Candance sold their farm in Greenfield, Indiana, and made their home in Mountain Grove, Missouri.
Jerry quickly became a familiar face in the Ben Davis community. He enjoyed spending his mornings at the Ben Davis Store, often being the first one there, drinking his V8 and visiting with friends. He enjoyed working cattle with his neighbors and was always willing to share a little advice. One piece of wisdom he shared was, “Only take advice from those that are successful.” He also believed that everyone should know their neighbors and encouraged others to take the time to visit them.
Jerry was rarely in a hurry, saying, “I’ll get there when I get there,” although anyone who knew him knew he was usually early. He believed that sometimes you had to live a little poorer than you’d like to get where you wanted to be later in life. He had a practical outlook on life, a good sense of humor, and wasn’t afraid to share either.
Those who knew Jerry will remember his blue jeans, his signature blue button-up shirts, and his love for sugar wafers. He appreciated the simple things in life, good neighbors, good conversation, and a familiar morning routine.
When asked about his greatest accomplishment in life, Jerry’s answer was simple: he raised a good family.
Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Candance Ritchie; daughter, Jennifer Shoppell; sister, Vivian; and brothers, David and Frank. He is survived by his children, Ken (Melissa) Ritchie and Kimberly (David) Winnings; grandchildren, Colt (Ashley) Underwood, Lane (Kevin) VanSchepen, Kendra Ritchie, Cassidy (Aric) Luebbert, and Katlynn Ritchie; five great-grandchildren, Taylor, Brayden, Luke, Aceton, and Bellamy; sister, Judy Bean; brother, Gene Ritchie; and his dear friend, Judy Adamson.
Jerry will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and his neighbors in the Ben Davis community, whose friendship and kindness meant so much to him over the years.
Jerry once said that getting older meant you could live how you wanted and do what you wanted, although getting old sure hurt. He lived life on his own terms, valued the people around him, and leaves behind a lifetime of memories, stories, and advice that won’t soon be forgotten.
