Andrew L (Drew) Ritchey

Andrew L. Ritchey, affectionately known by all as Drew, was born January 2, 1990 in Wray, Colorado at the Wray Community District Hospital to Darrel & Pam Ritchey.  He entered into the kingdom of Heaven February 16, 2012 in Denver, Colorado at the age of 22.

Drew grew up in Wray, Colorado and graduated from Wray High School with the class of 2008. Drew enjoyed and participated in peewee and jr. high sports with high school wrestling being his true passion with the help and encouragement of his favorite coaches, Donnie Rogers, Bruce Latoski and Jj Behrens supporting him each step of the way.  Drew had a mind of his own which most of the time was not in line with his coaches, but always listened to them even if they didn’t think he was.  As a result of his hard work, dedication and joy of the sport his proudest moment came in 2007 winning the wrestling State Championship at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado his junior year.  During his school years he was surrounded by his friends and was a very loyal friend to all who knew him.

Drew was active in many outdoor activities with his friends.  He was a daredevil on the skateboard, motorcycle, snowboard or any other “sports” that his older brother and his friends could come up with, such as jumping off the garage onto the trampoline (because big brother took the ladder down).  He tried many stunts and crashed more times than not, but never broke any bones.

Drew knew how to appreciate art and pursued the technical aspects in computer and videography and used his talents and interest to produce a video for the high school volleyball team.  He also assisted Jeremy Weathers of Stormy Productions in producing an informational video for the Republican Water District.  He then continued his interest at the Art Institute of Colorado in Denver, Colorado.  While attending the Art Institute he had an internship with the company “Design That”.  The project he worked on included making videos of designer homes.

Drew never knew a stranger and his smile could light up a room, he will be truly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

He is preceded in death by his uncle Steve McKinney, his Grandpa Gordon McKinney, Great Grandparents Medell and Grace McKinney, Glen and Margaret Hatch, Marlin Ritchey and Sylvia Ritchey and Chester Womack and Francis Falconburg.

His is survived by his parents Darrel and Pam and his brother Adam.  Grandparents Carol and Donnie McDowell, Cindy and Dick Cramer, Merle and Charlotte Ritchey.  Aunts and Uncles Margaret Waugh; Matt Ritchey; Tammy and Russ Workman; and cousins Jennifer and Tony Tiegs, Aspen and Brecken; Kylie Workman; Josh McKinney; Kelsey and Jeremiah Pursha, Karley and Addison; Sue and Dick Jeurink; Travis and Sandy Bullock.  He was extremely loved and will be greatly missed by all. Have peace in knowing Drew knew God was with him and will continue to be with him, always.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, February 22, 2012, 10:00 a.m. at the New Life Christian Center with Pastor Glen Kline officiating. Interment was held in the Grandview Cemetery in Wray, Colorado. Spellman-Schmidt Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.