Lydia Ann Newman Ritchie

Lydia Ann Newman Ritchie

Lydia Ritchie, age 93 of Girard, Pa. was called home to be with the Lord on March 28, 2023 at home with friends and family by her side. Lydia was born on April 20, 1929, in Tyrone, Pa.

She was the daughter of the late John and Myrtle (Stonebraker) Kochera. Lydia worked for many years at the GE Resistor Co. as a telephone operator. She was a member of the West Springfield United Methodist Church where she was instrumental in helping with church dinners and the after school program with the kids. She enjoyed working around her house and spending time with friends and family. She was also known for opening her home to foster children. In addition to her parents, Lydia was preceded in death by her two husbands Amos Newman and Dan Ritchie, an infant son, Timothy Newman, and a brother Dave Kochera. She is survived by three children ; Tom Newman (Diane) of Girard, Pa.  Angela Miller of Springboro, Pa. and Connie Steigerwald  (Dave) of Girard, Pa; a sister, Mary Albright (Dick) of Ringle, WI; two brothers, Oly Kochera (Audrey) of Girard, Pa, and Joe Kochera (Pam) of Eire, Pa; six grandchildren, Julie Swift, Jeffery Newman, Timmy Newman, Tommy Newman, Billie Jo McCraken, and Sara Steigerwald; and two great grandchildren, Lex and Lana Keith. She also leaves behind her very best friend Stella Ratajczak. Calling hours will be Friday March 31, 2023 from 2 to 5 Pm followed by a Life Celebration Service at 5Pm at the Jean Evans Thompson Funeral Home. The  Burial will be private at Springfield Cemetery. The family respectfully request that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Lydia’s Memory can be made to either the Springfield Volunteer Fire Department or the West Springfield United Methodist Church.