With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Bernita Irene Ritchie. Bernita Irene Ritchie passed away peacefully while surrounded by family on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance. Born in Wallaceburg 63 years ago, Bernita was the daughter of the late Gordon and Mildred Ritchie. She was the beloved mother of Stacy Ritchie, Donnie Ritchie and Billy Ritchie, step mother of Aaron Latford and Mike Latford, and the grandmother of Brooklyn Ritchie. She will be missed by her spouse, Mike Latford, and remembered by her dear friend Dianne Dodge, and many others. Bernita was from a large family. She was the sister of Dennis (Linda), Dorothy (Tony), Gord (Joyce), John (Annette) and Bonnie (Tom), sister in law of Janet, and is predeceased by siblings Francis, Donna, Rose, David, Bob, Barbara, Donald, Deborah and Douglas. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Bernita will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all those whose lives she touched.
Her family will be remembering her privately at a later date.
