Michael John Ritchie, 63, of Cowen passed away November 14, 2021 following a short illness.

Mike was born December 3, 1957 in Richwood, WV to Lowell & Ruth Ritchie of Craigsville, WV.

In addition to his father he is proceeded in death by his younger brother David Ritchie & his Father-in-law Dr. William Gray.

Mike was a 1976 graduate of Richwood High School where he enjoyed playing many sports, and was a stand-out on the basketball court. Throughout his adult life he enjoyed playing men’s league basketball and slow-pitch softball.

On July 4, 1980 he married his longtime girlfriend and love of his life, Barbara Gray and together they had 2 children. Laura Snyder and Matt (Brittany) Ritchie, of Cowen. In their 41 years of marriage they raised their children and were rewarded with grand-children Ava, Lelia & Landry Snyder, Harley Ritchie & Ailyna LaSpina, all of Cowen.

In addition to his wife, children, grandchildren and mother he is survived by his sisters Angela Winters, of South Point, Oh, and Sandra (Lee) Davis of Beaufort, NC, Mother-in-law Charlene Gray of Cowen, and bother & sister in-law Ed (Dana) Gray of Fairmont, WV, Janet (Mike) Mathes of Cowen, as well as, 9 nieces and nephews, and countless other family members and friends.

Mike was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, where he served as greeter and bell ringer for many years, he helped with the Cowen food pantry and P.B. & J.C. (Peanut Butter & Jesus Christ) an outreach that focused on feeding not only the body but the spiritual souls of children living at Circle Brook. He and Barbara also went on several mission trips, to the island kingdom of Tonga (2005), Guatemala (2008), New Orleans, LA (2009) & Beaufort, NC (2018).

Goober, as he was known by many, worked for Coca-Cola from 1981-2015, and will be remembered by many for always wearing his shorts, even in below 0 temperatures.

Coach Goober, also loved coaching Little League Baseball, Softball and Basketball. He coached on and off since the early 80’s and talked with pride about all his players like they were his own kids. One of his former players said of him, “It did not matter if you were the fastest or the slowest or the best or the worst, he liked everyone the same.”

Visitation will be held at Morris Funeral Home in Cowen on Thursday, November 18, 2021 from 5:00 – 8:00pm. The funeral will be held at 11:00am on Friday, November 19, 2021 at Trinity United Methodist Church. Interment will be at the Smith Family Cemetery in Upper Glade, WV. Services will be live streamed via Facebook on Barbara Ritchie’s page on Friday for those friends & family who cannot attend.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.morrisfuneralhomecowenwv.com

Services entrusted to the care of Morris Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in Mike’s memory to Cowen Little League or to Trinity United Methodist Church.