Michael Ray Ritchey

Michael Ray Ritchey, 87, passed away on October 9, 2026, in Wichita, Kansas. He was born on August 18, 1939, in Fort Worth, Texas to Donald and Nancy Ritchey. He lived a life marked by devotion to family, professional accomplishment, service, and genuine friendships.

Mike graduated from Handley High School in Fort Worth in 1957. At that time, recognizing that he needed maturity and discipline, he joined the United States Marines. He served in various places, including Okinawa, Japan, before beginning college at the University of Kansas. That experience shaped him well and helped set the course for the thoughtful and steady man he became. He later graduated with honors from the KU School of Business in 1966, continuing a lifelong affection for KU, its sports, and its activities.

He began his professional career as a marketing manager with Southwestern Bell, serving from 1966 to 1973 in Guthrie, Oklahoma City, and Ponca City, Oklahoma. In 1973, he went to work for Fourth National Bank in Wichita, Kansas. Over the course of a distinguished career that lasted until 1996, he assumed a variety of responsibilities and ultimately retired as Bank IV’s President of Trust and Investments.

Beyond his professional life, Mike gave his time and leadership to many community organizations and activities. He served on boards and supported causes that included Harry Hynes Hospice, St. Joseph Hospital, the Wichita Art Association, the KU School of Business, the Kansas Turnpike Association, Grumpy Old Men, and Wichita Country Club where he served as president from 1987 to 1988. His involvement reflected the same reliability, intelligence, and sense of responsibility that defined every part of his life.

Mike was personable, polite, and every bit a gentleman. He was loving and devoted as a husband, father, and grandfather, and his family meant everything to him. He was also extremely fond of the family’s cats and dogs, which brought him great companionship and joy.

He knew how to enjoy life fully. He played golf well and spent many years on the course with close friends. He enjoyed a good play, movie, concert, and show, and he was a huge sports fan. He especially loved attending the Big 12 Basketball Tournament each year. KU football and basketball held a special place in his heart, as did the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals. He also liked to travel, and among his favorite trips were visits to the Cayman Islands and treasured journeys to Disney World and Universal Studios with his granddaughters.

Mike is survived by his wife, Rebecca, whose life was joined with his in love and partnership. He is also survived by his son, Gregory, and Gregory’s wife, Heather; his daughter, Elaine Ashbrook, and Elaine’s husband, Chris; his granddaughters, Hannah Ritchey, Caroline Ritchey Riedel and her husband, Alex, Maeve Ashbrook, and Julia Ashbrook; and his sister, Donna Gement of Montgomery, Texas. Each of them was part of the family he cherished so deeply, and his love for them was one of the guiding forces of his life.

Michael Ray Ritchey will be remembered for his steady character, his loyalty, his love of family, his enjoyment of sports and travel, and the kindness and dignity he brought to others. His life was one of purpose, affection, and enduring connection, and his memory will remain a blessing to those who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established with Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, 313 S. Market, Wichita, KS 67202.