Shirley Jeanne Ritenour

Shirley Jeanne Ritenour passed away peacefully at home March 18, 2026 held close by her family she so deeply loved.

Shirley was born January 28, 1938, in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and was a daughter of the late
Peter and Mabel Bouch. Her legacy lives on through her children Suzanne Pahach,
Ray "Buddy" Ritenour both of New Florence, Dorothy Boring and husband Scott, Ernie and wife Wendy (Galbraith) all of Bolivar and Belinda Ritenour of Seward. She also leaves behind her treasured grandchildren Andrew "AJ" Pahach, Lee Alden (Alyssa) and Abbey Rae Solich (Zach), Zachary Scott (Amber) and Nicholas Scott (Chloe) Boring and Jillian Jean Ritenour' her great grandchildren, Sophia, Natalie and Andrew Ritenour and Isaac Boring. Along with many beloved nieces and nephews who held her close in their hearts.

Shirley's love story began in the late 50's in a moment as unexpected as it was unforgettable-a young man, tossed from a bar, landed at her feet and looked up with a simple question: "Can you take me home?" She said "yes," and with that one word, a lifetime of devotion, tears, laughter, and adventure unfolded. For 54 years, she and Ray walked through life side by side. Their marriage ended only with his death, but the love they built endures in the family they raised and the memories they left behind.

Shirley had a gift for bringing light into any room. Her contagious laugh could lift anyone's spirits. She loved spending time with family and traveling. She always enjoyed a glass of wine and watching the way the sunlight reflected off the water. Known for her famous potato salad, Easter ham and homemade wines. Her home was always a place where friends and family came to gather.

Her influence and compassion reached far beyond her own family. She would go out of her way to help anyone. Shirley made countless trips to the Shriners Children's Hospital, offering time, hope and support to children and their families in need. She touched many lives with her kindness, generosity and unwavering belief in the power of love. She taught her family that kindness is a daily act, and the hope is something to hold onto no matter the storm.

A fearless pioneer in every sense, Shirley was one of the first women in heavy construction. President of Five R Excavating, Inc., incorporated in 1969 and recognized in the Nationwide Register's Who's Who in Executives and Businesses. She was a member of Fairfield Presbyterian Church, Eastern Star, White Shrine and was active in various community organizations.

In addition to her parents and her husband, Ray she is preceded in death by sister, Anna Claire Ventry and brother, Clinton Bouch Sr., sister-in-law Rose Bouch, daughter- in- law Holly Miller. She is also preceded in death by mother-in-law and father-in-law Jennings W. Sr and Dorothy (Noble) Ritenour, sisters-in-law Millie Ritenour, Janice Henderson, Eleanor Boring, Mary Jane Shaulis, and brothers-in-law Harry Ritenour, Norman Henderson, Louis Boring, Walter Shaulis, Jennings "Junior" Ritenour.

Arrangements by The Stuart Funeral Homes, New Florence, PA. At Shirley's request no viewing will be held. Family and friends will gather at her home (5582 Rt 711, New Florence PA 15944) on Sunday, March 22, from 1pm-4pm to share stories, laughter and love. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Shirley's name may be made to a charity of your choice or one of the following; Children's Hospital Foundation, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, the Shriner's Hospital for Children c/o Jaffa Shrine, PO Box 1984 Altoona, PA 16601, or Concordia-IRMC VNA Family Hospice Home Hospice Care, 850 Hospital Road, Indiana, PA 15701.