Sr. M. Christella Ritchey O.S.F.

Sister M. Christella Ritchey, O.S.F. (nee Carolyn Ritchey) born on Christmas Eve 1942 in Columbus, Ohio to George W. and Clara C. Ritchey. She was the youngest of five siblings. Ralph, Rita, Mary Jo and Betty. 

She is predeceased by parents Clara C. and George W. Ritchey and siblings: Ralph Ritchey and Rita Kunkler. A member of Holy Rosary Parish where Christella  graduated elementary and high school. The Eucharist was first and foremost the basis of Christella’s Franciscan spirituality. Later the Ritchey family moved to Christ the King Parish. Christella entered the Sisters of Saint Francis of Penance and Christian Charity at Stella Niagara, New York September 22, 1961. She was finally professed August 18, 1968. 

In time, she graduated with a B.S. degree from Rosary Hill College (Daemen) in 1967; in 1983 and M.A. in Theology from the University of Dayton, OH. She spent fifty-one years in ministry: New Jersey, St. Mary Parish for 11 years, and the remaining years in various ministries: teaching, Teens Encounter Christ, Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, and Saint Catharine Parish and Joint Organization for Inner-City Needs (JOIN) in Columbus OH. She entered hospice care on January 15, 2026. 

Our sister, friend, companion on journeys with many people throughout her lifetime, always bringing laughter, joy and peace all along the way.  Friends who wish may call Monday 4-7 pm at EGAN-RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 403 E. BROAD ST.  Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday 9:30 am at Christ the King Church, 2777 E. Livingston Ave. Burial to follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Sisters of St. Francis, Stella Niagara, N.Y. 14144 or https://www.stellaosf.org/