Farabaugh Family History - Person Sheet
NameBarbara M. Ritchey 
BirthOct 8, 1928, Altoona, Pa.
DeathNov 2, 1983, Altoona, Pa.
BurialBlair Memorial Park, Bellwood, Pa.
FatherEdwin Rubin Ritchey (1895-1957)
MotherMary Gertrude Fechter (1895-1939)
Spouses
BirthJan 7, 1924, Altoona, Pa.
DeathJul 26, 2008, Bellwood, Pa.
FatherErnest Pheasant
MotherRuth Helman
MarriageMay 10, 1947, Altoona, Pa.
ChildrenGail Diane
Notes for Barbara M. Ritchey
In the 1940 Census, Barbara is identified as the “niece in law” of Ira V. Goodman in Beechwood, Pa. Ira was a 54 year old electrical engineer for the railroad and head of household, with his 44 year old wife Alma, 81 year old father-in-law David Ritchey and 11 year old Barbara. It indicates that Barabara had been living in Altoona, Pa., 5 years prior.
Barbara graduated from Altoona High School in 1946. She was a bookkeeper at Fisher’s Department Store for 22 years and was a charter member of the local Sweet Adelines quartet-style singing group.
While attending a rehearsal for the Sweet Adelines in 1983, Barbara was shot dead in the parking lot of Bethany Luteran Church by a Donald M. Wertz, an unemployed and mentally deranged gunman. Wertz also fired shots at two other members of the singing group after asking if they were there to worship God. Wertz was later acquitted under controversial circumstances, because of his psychiatric history and schizophrenia. Wertz was institutionalized as a result, and was still committed as of 2012.
Barbara graduated from Altoona High School in 1946. She was a bookkeeper at Fisher’s Department Store for 22 years and was a charter member of the local Sweet Adelines quartet-style singing group.
While attending a rehearsal for the Sweet Adelines in 1983, Barbara was shot dead in the parking lot of Bethany Luteran Church by a Donald M. Wertz, an unemployed and mentally deranged gunman. Wertz also fired shots at two other members of the singing group after asking if they were there to worship God. Wertz was later acquitted under controversial circumstances, because of his psychiatric history and schizophrenia. Wertz was institutionalized as a result, and was still committed as of 2012.
Notes for Wayne Bennett (Spouse 1)
Wayne was an employee and part owner of Brent Optical for 47 years, retiring in 1988. He served in the Army Air Corps as a 2nd lieutenant in WWII. He was a longtime member of the Allegheny Aires barbershop quartet, and also sang with the Altoona Horseshoe Chorus and the Froshinn Singing Society.