He was born on August 6th, 1950, in Marshall, Missouri, to Russell "Bud" Feuers and Maxine Ruth Feuers McFarlane. Ritchie was raised on a farm near Gilliam, Missouri, alongside his sis\ers, Debbie and Melanie. He grew up (and long remained) an avid lover of science and knowledge, graduating from Central Methodist College with an undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences, from the University of Missouri at Columbia with a master’s degree in biology, and from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences with a doctorate in Biochemistry.

Ritchie married Susan Gail Lightfoot Feuers on November 25th, 1970, and they raised two children, Sunshine and Jacob, in Little Rock, Arkansas. Ritchie and Susan were married for over 50 years and built a life together in Arkansas.+le was an ever-present father in his children's lives, making sure to never miss a game, forget a practice pickup, or skip fixing a big breakfast on the weekend.

He worked as a Research Biochemist at the FDA's National Center for Toxicological Research for 50 years, where he conducted world-renowned cancer, aging, and diabetes research. Ritchie traveled to five continents to present his findings, lending extensive contributions to the public health field. Remembered for his enthusiasm, along with his compassion, Ritchie found incredible meaning in his work and those he got to do it with, reviewing journal articles up until the end.

Ritchie was beloved by every family member and friend for his intelligence, humor, and wit. Beyond his love for science, he enjoyed playing tennis and rugby, and spent his free time working on construction projects, often enlisting his children when they were young, and more recently building a house with his son. Most of all, Ritchie loved his grandchildren, meticulously planning weekend trips for them at "the farm" or piling them all into a camper to visit the esteemed Silver Dollar City.

The farm was a hotbed of activity for Ritchie in his later life. It was where he taught his grandchildren how to drive a tractor, where he raised cattle and fainting goats, and where he orchestrated movie nights for his family on the front lawn. Summed up by his sister Debbie: "Ritchie was not only an incredible husband, dad, grandpa, son, brother, and gifted medical scientist, but also a man who touched our lives with his strength and compassion."

Ritchie was treasured more than words can convey. He is survived by his wife, Susan Feuers; his children, Sunshine Lee (Tom) and Jacob Feuers (Nicole); his mother, Maxine Feuers McFarlane; and his sisters, Debbie Corkery (Sam) and Melanie Harris (Colleen). He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren: Karlie, Cade, and Camryn Barnett; Ella and Jake Feuers; and Jack (with his wife, Evans), Davis, and Luke Lee. He was preceded in death by his father Russell "Bud" Feuers, and his daughter, Jennifer Melissa Feuers. 

Ritchie's family will lay him to rest privately in Gilliam, Missouri, this summer, in accordance with his wishes. They are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, support, and shared memories during this time. The kindness shown by friends, extended family, and all who knew Ritchie has been a great comfort. Though he is no longer with us, his spirit and his humor will live on in the hearts of those he loved and who loved him in return.