Harold "Buddy" Ritch

Harold “Buddy” Ritch, 85, of Newton, passed away on Monday, October 5, 2026, at Catawba Valley Medical Center.

Born August 27, 1941, in Hickory, Buddy was retired from the furniture industry. He was an avid toy collector and talented artist who enjoyed woodworking and painting. Buddy was a friend to all, never met a stranger, and loved to tell stories of his life.

Buddy is survived by his two daughters, Kelly Conner and husband, Doug, and Karen Krollig and husband, Tony; six grandchildren, Matthew Conner (Maria), Jordan Conner, Ashley Armstrong (Joe), Hayley Johnson, Malcolm Krollig, and Thomas Krollig; five great-grandchildren, Ezra, Adelyn, Graham, August, and Tilly; his special fur friend, Sebastian; and numerous other family members and friends who were a part of his life.

Buddy was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Faye Sigmon Ritch, and his mother, Ada Ritch Poole.

A family Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Carolina Caring Hospice or Catawba County Animal Services.

Please sign the online guestbook on the Memorial Wall at www.jenkinsfuneralhome.net.

The Ritch family has entrusted arrangements to Jenkins Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Newton, 828-464-1555.