Wilda Moss Ritchie, 93, passed away on December 19, 2012 at Los Alamos, NM where she was living with her son Terry and family for the past eight years. She was born in Teton City, Idaho, on April 8, 1919. She was the oldest of the three daughters born to Sterling Ezra Moss and Bessie Ann Clark.

After graduation from Madison High School in Rexburg, Idaho, she studied cosmetology at the Idaho State University. She spent most of her working years doing the hair of the neighborhood persons until she retired in the late 1970's.

Wilda was a very active person, playing the piano, the trombone in the high school band, and was exceptionally accomplished on the harmonica. She has always loved singing and participated in many community and church dramatic and musical events. Wilda has made Afghans and quilts and other crafty things for many family members. The last few years she has completed numerous beautiful, cross-stitch pictures.


Always physically active Wilda greatly enjoyed the outdoors; camping, hiking, and back packing even into her later years. She was still active in water aerobics into her 80's. She was a soft ball referee for a number of years. Gardening was another favorite, especially with Roses lining the walk way to her front door.


Preceding her death was her husband, G. Wendel Ritchie and a daughter, Judith Marie Arnold. She is survived by two sisters, Trilva Patrick (Salt Lake City, UT), and Deanna Stenson (Robert, Boulder, CO); a daughter, Lou Rae Derricott (Pocatello, ID); two sons, Terry M. Helm (Jan, Los Alamos, NM) and Sidney M. Helm (Susan, Salt Lake City, UT); a step-son Lynn T. Ritchie (Joan, Albuquerque, NM); and two step-daughters, Diane R. Nelson (Nylin, Rexburg, ID) and Elaine R. Holloway (Richard, Rexburg, ID). She has 42 grand children, 127 great grandchildren, and 32 great-great grandchildren.


Wilda was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where she taught the youth, coached youth sports, and served in the Relief Society women's organization. She was also an active member of the DUP (Daughters of the Utah Pioneers)


Services will be held Saturday, December 29, 2012 at 11am at the 2ND Ward, Rexburg North Stake Center, 314 East 2nd North. Family and friends can visit from 10:00 a.m. to 11a.m. Interment will be at the Teton City, Idaho, Cemetery.