WINTERPORT - Marilyn M. (Hunton) Ritchie, 76, passed away on October 24th after a brief illness. She died peacefully, surrounded by her family. She was born October 14th, 1935, in Fort Fairfield, the daughter of Merle C. and Nellie M. (Clair) Hunton.
Marilyn spent her childhood in Aroostook County and moved to the Bangor area in the 1950's, before settling in Winterport, where she spent the majority of her life. Marilyn enjoyed spending time with her family and friends as well as watching NASCAR, particularly Jimmie Johnson.
Marilyn is survived by her brother, Dana Hunton, and his wife, Mickie, of San Diego, CA; two daughters, Carla J. Ritchie, and her partner, Mike Perry, of Etna, and Linda (Ritchie) Pierce of Fort Campbell, KY; seven grandchildren, Emma (Brejwo) Balina and her husband, Roque, of Temecula, CA; Nate Brejwo and his fiancée, Meg Chute, of Bowdoin; Jodi Dodge and her partner, Kenny Lyford, of Winterport; Johnny Dodge of Jackson; Joseph Harty and his wife, Denise, of Fort Campbell, KY; Devon (Harty) Grabill and her husband, Lance, of Crawfordville, FL; and Emily Pierce of Fort Campbell, KY. She is also survived by a close cousin, Sandra Henderson, of Presque Isle, several other cousins and great-grandchildren. Marilyn is predeceased by her parents, two brothers, Roger Hunton and Doug Hunton; a daughter, Debbie Ritchie; a granddaughter, Jackie L. (Dodge) Burnett.
A private graveside service will be held at Oak Hill Cemetery, Winterport. Friends and family may celebrate Marilyn's life 4-6 P.M. Thursday, October 27, 2011 at an open house at her residence in Winterport. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Winterport Ambulance, P.O. Box 724, Winterport, ME 04496. Cremation arrangements entrusted to Hampden-Gilpatrick Funeral Home, 45 Western Avenue, Hampden. Messages of condolence and memories may be shared through http://www.hampdengilpatrick.com.