Mary Lou McPhatter Ritchie

Mary Lou McPhatter Ritchie of Concord, NC went to be with our Lord Jesus Christ Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at her home. She was 97 years old. Born on August 7, 1923, Mary Lou, was born to the late Daniel D. McPhatter and Annie Edwards McPhatter. She was the youngest of five children, giving her the nickname “Baby Lou”. Along with her parents and four siblings, Willard, Ralph, Earl, and Aileen, Mary Lou, was preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, Luther David Ritchie and a daughter-in-law Mary Jo Ritchie. Surviving to cherish her memory are her son, David Ritchie and daughter, Cynthia “Cindi” Hinson; grandchildren Todd Ritchie (Jennifer), Scott Hinson (Diana), Stephanie Jeffcoat and Amy Shapley; great-grandchildren Kalie, Ronnie, Tyler, Owen, Andrew, Sagan and two great-great-grandchildren Rylei and Roan. Brother-in-law Archie Ritchie, and sisters-in-law Elizabeth, Phylis and Libby Ritchie. Numerous nieces and nephews. Mary Lou was a long time beautician, working a few years at Belk Salon in downtown Concord until her husband Luther built her a beauty salon at their home in Concord, NC. She also worked for Cannon Mills, Plant 6 in the Supply Room. Mary Lou always had a sweet smile on her face to everyone she talked to and those who would come to visit. She loved to sit on her porch and watch her birds who always stayed well fed. Her family always looked forward to Sunday dinner that included her signature dishes like her homemade bread, fried chicken, her canned green beans and of course sweet tea. She was as a huge Atlanta Braves fan and rarely missed watching a game. Her favorite player was Freddie Freeman. The family would like give a special and heartfelt thank you to Cheryl M. Lambert who was a wonderful caregiver to Mary Lou for many years. We would also like to thank the nurses and staff of Hospice. A graveside service will be held at a later date at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Concord, NC. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the St. John’s Lutheran Church music fund, 100 St. John’s Church Rd., Concord, NC 28025 or Hospice & Palliative Care of Cabarrus County, 5003 Hospice Ln., Kannapolis, NC 28081. She would also love if you bought a bag of bird seed and feed the birds.