Benjamin Ritchie was a humble man who dedicated his life to honoring the things that really mattered: family, friends and living authentically. On February 6th, Ben found peace and joined the love of his life in their final resting place after 5 years of their separation in death. Coming from humble beginnings, Ben aspired to leave his small town in Kentucky and adventure beyond a life he and his family knew. He enlisted in the army after completing high school and was honorably discharged due to an injury he sustained that prevented him for finishing out his service. At this time he married his high school sweetheart, Thelma, and they decided to build their life and family together. They set out on their journey in Kentucky, then moving to New York and eventually settled in Texas where they set deep roots for their family. The two always stayed connected with family back in Kentucky and Indiana despite distance and time. Throughout his life Ben, always found a way to foster his sense of learning while dedicating himself to a strong work ethic. He did this by working 2 jobs and going to school to get his electrical engineering degree that ultimately led him to a successful career with NASA. Some of his accomplishments and efforts that he was most proud of were his contributions to the Skylab, Apollo and Mercury missions, and the Shuttle program where along the way he earned awards for his efforts including the Zero Defect Astronaut Award and the Silver Snoopy, an honor for those who solved a complex problem that was a barrier to the mission and vision of NASA. He exemplified the best things in life are hard earned and that a positive attitude and dedication can help you achieve any goal you set your mind to. This was a way of life he instilled in his children and grandchildren and a part of his legacy that his family is proud of. Even with such noteworthy experiences, Ben always downplayed his accomplishments, choosing instead to lean into supporting his family, friends and community. He volunteered to coach youth sports and took a proactive role in the neighborhood and community to support his friends and children. He was drawn to gardening and eventually bought land and tended to cattle that gave him great happiness and more connection to his roots, a pursuit he was happy to share with his grandchildren over the years. His family will always remember fondly the memories of watching a baseball game or basketball game together, spending time with him tending his cattle or watching him tinker with some appliance he picked up off the road. They will always think of him when eating onions, playing with their dog, gardening, or in a silent moment caught up watching the rain. He was a firm believer in the quiet country lifestyle and always reminded those around him that life was good. We didn't need much to have a good life.Ben is survived by his 2 children and their spouses, Dale and Lisa Ritchie and Patricia and Alfonso Rodriguez, and his 5 grandchildren and spouses, JoAnna and Brandon (spouse), Stephanie and Dustin (spouse), Joel, Jonathan and Claudia. Ben had the gift of great grandchildren as well and is also survived by Bennett and Atticus.