Mary Kathleen “Kathy” Ritchie (Dunn) died at home on March 19, 2023.
Kathy was born in Port Gamble, Washington on Jan. 4, 1941 but grew up in Moses Lake, Wash. In high school Kathy participated in 4-H and competed in sewing contests, which she won. She preferred fast cars over the family horses. With her eye for details and numbers, she was the best assistant office administrator in the family business.
She attended college first at Washington State University and then, transferring to Eastern Washington University, earned her BA in Home Economics and Education. After college Kathy moved to the Puget Sound, where she worked as a teacher at Nathan Hale High School. Later she helped her husband build his business, all while raising her two kids. Her seamstress skills were put to good use making beautiful clothing and other items for her kids. She was a member of the Children’s Hospital Guild.
Following a divorce, Kathy worked as an accountant and later taught accounting at a community college. In 1986 Kathy moved with her new husband, Brian, and his young daughter to Vancouver, Wash. During those years Kathy spent many hours tending her garden and creating beautiful landscaping in her yard. She stayed busy caring for her new stepdaughter, volunteering for the PTA and Girl Scouts, but also found time to continue sewing clothing and making beautiful crafts. She was famous for showing up at Christmas with handmade, legendary gifts for all her siblings!
In 1998, Kathy started a new chapter in her life when she and Brian moved to the Cape George community in Port Townsend following Brian’s retirement. Their life was full. Kathy enjoyed her new community and participated in many fundraisers and events. She loved cooking and enjoyed searching for new recipes to try. Taking RV trips was a highlight of her later years. She and Brian traveled all over the country, visiting 47 states. Favorite trips included seeing the Canadian Maritimes and the Yukon Territory. Family was a cornerstone in Kathy’s life. She cherished spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Kathy will be remembered for her stoic but caring personality, her excellent organizational skills, her pragmatic sense, her strong work ethic, and her generosity of time and talents. She was strong and steady and deeply loved.
Kathy is preceded in death by her parents, Dan and Getrude Dunn; and three siblings, Donna Hendricks, Sally Farnham, and Michael Dunn. She is survived by her husband, Brian Ritchie; daughter Wanda McKee; son Doug Hendricks; stepdaughter Gina Ritchie, stepdaughter Mary Edwards, and stepson Chase Ritchie; sister Linda Dunn; and many in-laws, nieces and nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Cape George Community Center at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Dove House Advocacy Services.
