of Little Rock, AR

January 18, 1936 - October 24, 2025

Dana Booe Ritchie, friend, volunteer, social being, beloved daughter, beloved wife and beloved Mother passed away on October 24, 2025. She was 89 years old. She was born in Little Rock to John Gillespie Booe and Willie Williams Booe on January 18, 1936, the only child of three who grew into adulthood. She was married to Robert Estes Ritchie II (''Bob''), son of Reeves and Gladys Ritchie, for 50 years until his death in 2016. She met Bob on a blind date in 1962 and they married in 1966. They honeymooned in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil and LaPaz, Bolivia, thus beginning a wonderful life filled with much happiness and many blessings.

She was adored by her four children, their spouses and their children, all of whom she leaves behind with gaps in their hearts: Pamela Ritchie Aguirre of Little Rock; John (J.) Ritchie and his spouse, Mark Linvill of Bellevue, Washington; Robin Ritchie McNight and Allen McNight of Conroe, Texas; Susan Ritchie Moenning and Chuck Moenning of Madison, Mississippi. Her three grandchildren: Sarah Aguirre Guy and her husband J. Guy of Little Rock; Rebecca Elizabeth McNight and Kathryn Grace McNight of Conroe, Texas. Her last living generational relative is her cousin John Michael Booe of Cornelius, NC.

Her life was full and content as a daughter, wife, mother and friend. Over her 89 years, she was active in and volunteered her time and skills in a broad range of social and service organizations: Beta Sigma Phi, Junior Departmental Club, Little Rock Jaycettes, March of Dimes, Florence Crittenden Home, garden clubs, book clubs and others. In her later years, PEO and The Aesthetic Club gave her new friendships and further cemented long term friendships. She was a member of the Country Club of Little Rock, where her 50th Wedding Anniversary and multiple milestone birthdays were celebrated. At Lakeside Country Club, she and Bob entertained friends each holiday. She was a member of First Christian Church for almost 60 years, where she attended with her family and served in various roles, including Vice-Chair and Chair.

She will be well-remembered for her dedication to the 1954 Class of Little Rock Central High School. As a senior, she was editor of the Pix yearbook, chronicling the lives and experiences of her fellow classmates. She continued that commitment well into her 80's as she organized class reunions every five years through their 65th and final reunion in 2019. In 2004 her classmates paid tribute to her with a journalism scholarship in her honor for deserving LRCHS journalism students.

She was predeceased by her parents, John and Billie Booe; her brother, Dan Gaylon Booe; a baby sister; two very special aunts, Jessie Williams Avery of Little Rock and Doris Booe Bowling of Little Rock and her cousin and lifetime friend, Shirley June Bowling.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to First Christian Church Endowment Fund (14411 Taylor Loop Rd, Little Rock, AR 72223) or the Little Rock Compassion Center or a charity of one's choosing.

There will be a private family graveside service at Roselawn Cemetery. The memorial service will be at Roller Chenal Funeral Home on Friday, October 31st at noon, officiated by Reverend Donna Hankins.

Honorary pallbearers will be Mark Linvill, Allen McNight, Chuck Moenning, J. Guy, James Mulkey, Mike Booe and Bob Bracy.

 

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