Anne Baker Ritchey

Anne Baker Ritchey, age 78, died in West Chester, PA, on March 11, 2025.

She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Steven Ritchey. Other survivors include her siblings Mary Lou (Daniel) Jay of Timonium, MD; William of Kennett Square; Timothy (Eileen) Baker of Rehoboth Beach, DE; and sister-in-law Teri DeGross of Wilsonville, OR.  She was predeceased by her brother Michael (Laurie). 0ther survivors include 11 nieces and nephews: Rebecca Robley; Katharine and Emily Jay; Shannon Lopez; Max Baker; Michael Baker; Molly Greco; Douglas and Robert DeGross; and great nieces Avery and Madeline DeGross.

Although she was named Marguerite Anne after her mother, Anne always went by her middle name – “Anne with an E” – just like the heroine in her beloved Anne of Green Gables books. She sometimes used “Wythany” as an online name.

As a child, Anne lived in Cleveland, OH, and in Stratford, CT, before the family moved to Newark, DE, when she was in 7th grade. She went to high school at Ursuline Academy in Wilmington, then studied at the College of New Rochelle for a year before transferring to the University of Delaware. She graduated with a degree in English and spent her career as a writer and editor; her first job was with UD’s publications office.

Anne met Steve while taking an investment class in 1969. They were married in 1970, forming a loving, lifelong partnership that withstood many challenges.

Since Anne was a cat lover, they also enjoyed the company of cats for many of those years.

From 1970 to 1972, Anne and Steve lived in Clark, NJ, where Anne worked for Middlesex Community College. From 1972 to 1974, when they lived in Wilmington, she was director of communications for the University of Delaware’s College of Marine Studies. It was during her years at Marine Studies that Anne developed a special love and appreciation for the Delaware seashore.

From 1974 to 1983, Anne and Steve lived in Charleston, WV, which Anne loved. She worked for the Bell System of West Virginia and became an active volunteer with United Way. After moving to West Chester, Anne continued to work for the Bell System in Pennsylvania before leaving to establish her own firm, Ritchey Communications, in 1986. She retired in 1999.

Anne was involved and influential in the lives of her nieces and nephews. Even though she didn't have children of her own, she was always the "cool aunt" who took time and effort to make memorable life experiences for them: weeks at her house while attending summer day camps, travel to interesting locations, and trips to New York City to see the sights and enjoy a Broadway play. Anne and Steve also helped educate them in the basics of financial literacy and investing.

Anne had an artistic flair which was evident in the décor in her home and beach house. She enjoyed a variety of crafts, becoming proficient at calligraphy and quilling. She had a special love for glass bead making, an interest she pursued for decades by taking classes at venues like Snow Farm in New England. She liked attending musical theater, both on Broadway and at local theaters.

She liked to travel – a month-long trip to Paris was an especially favorite memory – and especially enjoyed the educational/travel trips sponsored by what is now Road Scholar. She had fun playing slots at Delaware Park and other area casinos, and during her trips to Atlantic City.

As an information junkie, Anne welcomed the advent of the internet and became a moderator for the America community for Prodigy, one of the first online services. She was an excellent online researcher, finding information and resources for anyone who needed her help. Anne was an avid reader and especially liked mysteries.

Steve and Anne’s beach house in Dewey Beach was the site of many happy gatherings with family and friends, including a wonderful belated celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary in 2022. 

As an oldest child, Anne was strong, independent and caring. She was always ready to help out whenever and wherever needed. She will be remembered and missed for her generosity and for the love she constantly shared with her family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Anne’s memory can be made to Longwood Gardens (https://longwoodgardens.org/support/honor-and-memorial-gifts), which she and Steve enjoyed visiting many times each year.

Arrangements by Kuzo Funeral Home of Kennett Square, PA.