Ann Marie Ritchie

Ann Marie Ritchie (Runkle), 61, of Munroe Falls, Ohio passed away peacefully in her sleep at home on September 12, 2024, after an 8-year battle with cancer. Born in Akron, Ohio, Ann is survived by her husband of 37 years, Bruce Ritchie, and their children, Emilee (Logan) Cooke, Lauren Ritchie, and Bryan (Alexis) Ritchie and their grandchild, Jordan Cooke. She is also survived by her sister Lee Runkle and her brother Scott (Loree) Runkle, her brother-in-law Kevin (Amy) Ritchie, sister-in-law Jennifer (Troy) Cox, sister-in-law Barbara (Warren) Bebinger as well as five nieces and four nephews. 

Ann graduated from Cuyahoga Falls High School in 1981 where she was a three sport athlete in volleyball, basketball, and softball. She graduated from Kent State University in 1986 with a bachelor’s degree in education and in 1998 with a master’s degree in education. She cherished her 30-year teaching career, the majority of which was at Rootstown Local Schools where she touched countless lives and made a lasting impact. Even after retiring in 2017, she received tremendous support from the Rootstown community, hearing often from past students and their families. 

Ann was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother (Nonna) and was happiest being home with those she loved. She never missed attending her children’s activities and was known as a “second mom” to many of their friends. Christmas was her favorite time of year which she made especially memorable with her decorative talents and annual Christmas party. Family milestones motivated her throughout her courageous battle with cancer and included her children’s weddings, multiple vacations to Hilton Head and Disney World, and the birth of her first grandchild. 

Ann was a daughter of Christ, avid reader, workout enthusiast, music lover, beach goer, loyal Cleveland sports fan, and Playhouse Square patron. Ann was involved in bible studies with both family and friends over the years during which she shared her journey and love of Christ. She enjoyed her book club and averaged reading ten books each month. She trained for many years with her All Heart CrossFit community before transitioning to home which allowed her to continue working out through her cancer treatments. She transformed her garage into a personal gym, filled with motivational quotes, where you could often hear her love of grunge rock bands. She loved family trips to the Carolina beaches, with more recent trips to Hilton Head being a particular highlight. Ann enjoyed season passes to the Cleveland Guardians and in recent years loved watching games outdoors on her back porch. 

Ann was supported in her battle with cancer by an amazing medical team from the Cleveland Clinic led by Dr. Alok Khorana. She passed away with grace and dignity while under the care of Cleveland Clinic Hospice at Home Services. 

Ann will be honored with a Celebration of Life gathering on September 28, 2024, at 1 pm at her home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the “V Foundation” which has a singular mission: to achieve Victory Over Cancer.  Condolences and speical memories of Ann can be shared with her family online at www.heritagecremationsociety.com