Lowell Ritch

Lowell Eugene "Gene" Ritch, 83, a resident of Tahlequah passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, October 3, 2022. Gene was born to George W. and Neva (Francis) Ritch on December 27, 1938, in Fort Gibson, OK.

Gene attended Hulbert Public Schools graduating in 1956. Education was very important to him. He received Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Education from Northeastern State College, Tahlequah, in the 1960s. His entire 34-year teaching career was spent with the Gallup-McKinley County Public Schools in New Mexico retiring in 1994. While in New Mexico, he met and married his wife, María del Carmen (Reyna) Ritch. They have been married 52 years and have raised two wonderful daughters. Gene was a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was always proud of his children and grandchildren for all their hard work in school, accomplishments in the classroom, and extracurricular activities. In addition to his being an educator, during his life, Gene enjoyed bowling, horseshoe pitching. playing pool, fishing, playing cards, and shooting the BB gun with his loving grandkids.

On a personal level, Gene lived and practiced Christian and American values. He served his neighbors as the Lord commanded us. He was kind, friendly, and always willing to help. Gene had a unique passion for radio and music, especially old country and 50's music. He loved vintage western books and movies. His love and knowledge of baseball were evidenced by many trips taken to major league ballparks. Everywhere he lived he raised a vegetable garden and gladly shared the fruits of his labor.

Gene is survived by his wife, Maria del Carmen, daughters, Beverly E. (Brandon H., Sr.) Overton of Crossroads, TX: Kimberly R. (Dr. Ronald) Charity of Olathe, KS; sisters, Norma L. (Dr. Richard) Payne of Stillwater, OK and Margie M. Ballew (Jack) of Jacksonville, FL.; grandchildren, Brandon H. Overton, Jr., Tanner R. Overton, Halana C. Charity, Caleb E. Charity, and many loving nephews and nieces. Gene is also survived by his sister-in-law, Ana (Reyna) Huntsman, and husband, Jack, of Tahlequah, and many other in-laws and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George W. and Neva (Francis) Ritch; his siblings: Herald (Caroline) Ritch, Howard (Helen) Ritch, Bobby Don Ritch, and Dr. Betty Ritch Lombardi (Dr. C.L. Lombardi) and brother-in-law, Jack Ballew.

According to his wishes, the family will not be having a traditional funeral or viewing but a private gathering during Thanksgiving weekend to inter his ashes.

The family is forever grateful to the men and women of the Hulbert Senior Citizens Center. Playing Pitch and your friendliness and patience to listen to his jokes and stories gave him great joy.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made to the American Cancer Society, the Hulbert Senior Citizens Center, or the charity of your choice.

The family wishes to thank Hart Funeral Home for their excellent, professional, and friendly service.