Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

Carolyn Olive Ritch, 88, of North Beach, MD, formerly of Oxon Hill, MD, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2024, with her daughter, son and daughter-in-law by her side. Born on June 4, 1935, near York, PA to the late Silas Ortman, Jr. and Mabel (Doll) Ortman, their family, including Carolyn’s late older brother, Charles Levere, relocated to Washington, DC. Carolyn attended Eastern High School, where she took business classes and played trumpet in the school marching band. In 1951 she met her future husband, John (Jack) N. Ritch, Jr. The pair were married on August 8, 1952, and remained inseparable until Jack’s death in 2004.

Carolyn worked in secretarial positions for several local companies, then began a long and proud career on Capitol Hill, where she served several congressmen, most notably US Congressman Steny Hoyer and US Senator John Glenn. In her second career, Carolyn won awards and was honored for her stellar sales and decorating skills with Home Interiors.

Carolyn was a devoted parishioner at St Columba Catholic Church in Oxon Hill. She served God there as a Lector, Eucharistic Minister, Ladies’ Sodality member, RCIA member, and Youth Group Leader for many years. Carolyn delighted in befriending and mentoring many teens in the Youth Group. The positive impact her kindness and care had upon many during those years will never be forgotten. Carolyn was also a long-suffering Redskins fan.

Jack and Carolyn cherished their visits to Ocean City, MD at the Breakers Hotel. 
Following Jack’s death, Carolyn moved to North Beach, MD. There she delighted in the beauty and serenity of the beach, never met a pink flamingo (anything) she did not love, and honed her story writing chops with the Scribblers at the North Beach Senior Center.

Carolyn always delighted in caring for others, and whether as a caregiver for an ill relative, or in her favorite role as a grandmother, she always demonstrated kindness, positivity and cheerfulness. Her joyful light shone brightly as an example for others, and in her cherished memory, it continues.

Carolyn is survived by her children, Teresa Robinson and her husband, Miles, of North Beach, MD, her son John Ritch and his wife, Kim, of Bridgewater, NJ, her granddaughters, Gina Ritch, Emily (Tim) Sweitzer, Melissa (Lucas) Ritch, Sarah (Brandon) Lamphere, and Emma Ritch, grandson Jack Ritch, and great grandchildren Gabriel, Jaxon, Lilliana, Ozzy, Luke, Daisy, and Eli, niece Dianne McNeal, nephew Dennie Ortman, cousins, and many dear friends. 

Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 18, 2024, from 2-4 PM, and from 6-8 PM, at Kalas Funeral Home, at 6160 Oxon Hill Rd, Oxon Hill, MD. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, January 19, 2024, at 10 AM, at St. Columba Catholic Church, 7804 Livingston Road, Oxon Hill, MD. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, 8000 Woodyard Road, Clinton, MD. Please take a moment to leave a condolence for the family by visiting the Memories link on this page.

Carolyn Olive Ritch

Carolyn Olive Ritch

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