Willa M. Ritchey, 94, of Hot Springs, SD, died October 10, 2006 at the Custer Regional Care Center in Custer, SD.

Willa was born December 29, 1911 in Dunnegan, MO to J. Charles and Nola (Walker) Brewer. At age 7 they moved to Eagle Butte, SD where she grew up and graduated from Eagle Butte High School. Willa began teaching in different country schools in 1932. On April 11, 1932 she married Albert Ritchey. Between 1948 and 1962 Willa taught at the Igloo school. She obtained her degree from Black Hills State Teachers College in 1958. From 1962 until her retirement in 1977, Willa taught in the Hot Springs Schools.

Willa was actively involved in the BPW, Westerners, Springs Senior Citizens Center and the Minnekahata Women's Club.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm, Tuesday, October 17 with Pastor Peter Dahlberg officiating at McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs.

Willa is survived by one son, Hugh (Diane) Ritchey of Minnetonka, MN; two daughters, Joyce Anne (Lecil) Stevens of Drs Inlet, FL; Sharon "Sue" Obermaier of Blue Springs, MO; one sister, Marion (Claude) Schrempp of Lewiston, ID; and four grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Nola; two brothers, Harold and Ralph; four sisters, Ellen Standard, Marjorie Earring, Mildred Aldinger and Dorthy Maynard.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials in Willa's name be made to the Hot Springs Public Library.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs. Written condolences can be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.