Betty Jean Ritchie, 86, of Denton passed away Sunday, July 23, 2017 at the Carriage House Assisted Living. She was born April 7, 1931 to Granval and Idel Madewell in Denton, Texas. She graduated from the Denton Lab School and married the late Jean Edward Ritchie, who preceded her in death in 2007.

She retired after 47 years from the Denton Record Chronicle where she was employed most of her professional career.

She was preceded in death by her parents Granval Madewell and Idel McFarrin and her brother A.B. "Honeyboy" Madewell.

Visitation will be Wednesday July 26, 2017 from 6-8 p.m. at DeBerry Funeral Directors. A graveside service will be held 10:00 a.m., Thursday July 27, 2017 at Roselawn Memorial Park in Denton with the Tommy Sanders officiating.

Betty is survived by her daughter Martha and Bill Watson of Callisburg TX, sons Ed and wife Geneva Ritchie of Cleburne TX, Bobby and wife Patricia Ritchie of Elk City OK, sister, Patricia McDonald of Nocona, grandchildren Valarie and Evan Maier, Levi and Lana Swafford, Shanda Ritchie, Coddie and Mark Marcel, Marci and Jay Kitchens, Mica and Brian Macy, Rayborn and Amber Ritchie, fifteen Great-Grandchildren and one Great-Great-Grandchild.

Memorials may be made to the Carriage House in Betty's memory.