Wanda Woods Ritchey Schulz

Wanda Ritchey Schulz, 93, a resident of Lake Morton Plaza, peacefully entered into eternal life on Thursday, July 11, 2024, with her immediate family by her side.

Wanda was born October 24, 1930 in Lakeland, Florida to Lois and William Woods. She was the oldest of three children. She was preceded in death by her first husband and sweetheart Robert (Bob) Seward Ritchey and her second husband Kenneth Schulz.

Wanda met her first husband Bob at the Polk Theatre where she was working in ticket sales and he was an usher. A romance bloomed and they were married in January of 1949 after Bob returned home from the Navy. They were married for 51 years before his death. She supported his career as a banker, moving from Lakeland to Tampa, Sarasota (where their children were born) to Winter Haven and finally Auburndale where she raised her family and lived for 50 plus years. While in Auburndale, she began working for Polk Nursery Co. where she remained for 45 years achieving the position of vice president.

A devout Christian, Wanda loved the Lord and her family. She especially loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren, who lovingly called her Oomom, the name given to her by her granddaughter Taylor. She was an involved member of All Saints Episcopal Church in Lakeland, Florida and headed the acolyte program for many years. She was thrilled to watch three of her grandchildren serve as acolytes from the level of Gospel to Crucifer until they graduated high school. Due to her love of plants, she was also known as the local expert for the garden sales at the annual church bazaar.

Wanda had a love of baseball, which she gained from her father. Besides bass fishing on Lake Parker, they attended many Tiger baseball games at Henley Field. Up until her death, she was captivated by the Tampa Bay Rays, and knew all the players by name, never missing a game. She also enjoyed community plays and was a member of the Tampa Bay Performing Arts for many years, along with Lakeland and Winter Haven community theatre. She was known to travel and take many cruises with her sister, Charlotte.

Wanda is survived by her daughter Kathi (Chuck) Brown of Lakeland, and son Blake (Magdalena) Ritchey of Auburndale. She is also survived by her sister Charlotte Ray, Lakeland and brother William (Sharon)Woods of Jacksonville, 4 grandchildren, (Taylor Brown Saunders and Jack Brown of Lakeland, Noel Ritchey of Thibodaux, LA and Carlos Diaz of Auburndale, )2 great grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.

We would like to thank Compassionate Care Hospice for their wonderful care and support along with Alice’s Angels who lovingly helped us at the end.

A Celebration of life be held at All Saints Episcopal Church in Lakeland, Florida on July 27, 2024, at 11 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to All Saints Acolyte Fund