Sonny R. Ritchie

Sonny Ray Ritchie, 49, of Knox, formerly of Winamac, passed away on Sept. 23 at Franciscan Health Lafayette East, due to complications associated with COVID pneumonia. 

He was born on Jan. 16, 1972, in Knox, to Clyde and Utella (Howard) Ritchie. 

Sonny was a truck driver for many years. He hauled containers out of the Chicago rail yards to various places in the tri-state area, and he enjoyed his job. Sonny also loved spending time outdoors. He had a great passion for fishing. He and his good friend Rockey Stacy Sr., of Winamac, fished together for many years, which often resulted in tasty walleye suppers. The Norway Dam in Monticello was one of their favorite fishing spots. Another passion Sonny had was helping others. Whenever someone needed a hand, Sonny was always there to help, it didn’t matter who it was - family, friend, neighbor or stranger. He was one of a kind and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He had a true heart of gold.  

Sonny is survived by his parents of Winamac; his two beautiful daughters: Kayley and Kennedy Ritchie of San-Pierre; brothers: Anthony [Brenda Landrum] Ritchie of Mishawaka, and Carter Ritchie (fiancée: Lisa Novakovich Clark) of North Judson; sisters: Jennifer [Maury] Kasten and Angela [Jerry] Lynch, both of Winamac; nieces: Kandas Ritchie of Valparaiso, and Alison Lynch of Knox; great-niece Kaizley Lynch of Knox; nephews: Jerry [Brittani] Lynch II of Knox, Austin Lynch of Denham, August Kasten of Winamac, and Peyton Cutlip of Demotte; great-nephews: Briar and Brantley Lynch of Knox; Rosie Manns of Knox, who was a close and dear friend to Sonny; and his late fianceé’s (Heather Dolezal) parents: Paul and Teresa Dolezal of San Pierre. Sonny and Heather were together for nearly 20 years. 

Sonny loved his family and spending time with them. He adored and was very proud of his two daughters. 

Private family services were held at O’Donnell Funeral Home in North Judson on Tuesday, Sept. 28. 

Family visitation started at 12 p.m., followed by a service at 1 p.m., with Pastor Lynda Hosek officiating. Burial will take place at the Denham cemetery. 

(Pulaski County Journal — Oct. 6, 2021)