Randy Ritchey – Senior Pastor
Hi! I’m Randy Ritchey, Senior Pastor here at Oak Grove, since June of 1986. I moved here from Barberton, Ohio where I had been an associate pastor for 6 years. I grew up not far from here in Cooperstown, and so in a sense when I moved to this country church I was actually moving back “home”. It has been a blessing for us to have raised our children in such close proximity to my family. They have had the privilege of stability in their lives since Matt was only two and Megan 6 weeks old when we moved here. Brandon was born here and so this is the only “home” our children know. We love the quiet place where we live and the people who make up our congregation. God has surely blessed us!
Let me tell you a little about myself. My wife, Chris and I got married on October 24, 1981. God has blessed us with three children and three “in-law” children. Our oldest son Matt, and his wife Mindy, live in Nampa, Idaho where Matt is Student Life Pastor and Worship Leader at Grace Bible Church. Mindy is a registered nurse and works in the ER at St. Alphonsus Hospital, there in Nampa. She is on the worship team and helps Matt with the teens and worship music. They welcomed our very first grand baby GIRL into their home in June, 2013. Little Miss Karleigh has stolen our hearts! Our daughter Megan, and her husband Matt (yes we have two Matts!) live in Munford, Alabama. Megan is a “stay at home mom” but also works for Shocco Springs Convention Center (from home) as a marketing and sales rep. Matt works in his family owned business, Woodland Parts, and shows “Western Pleasure” horses in competition in Alabama. ( I have no idea what all that involves either). Our first grand child, Greyson Matthew was born to Matt & Megan on December 9, 2011. I’m sure you can understand when I say he is the cutest and smartest little boy I have ever seen! Then little Rilynn Nicole arrived on December 10, 2013 to complete their family. She is such a happy little girl! Our youngest son, Brandon and his wife, Richelle, live in Williamsport, Ohio. Brandon is employed at Ohio Christian University, in Circleville, while Richelle is the secretary at New Hope Christian Academy as well as doing free-lance work in graphic design for the church she and Brandon attend. A beautiful little girl, Everlee Jean, arrived with a head full of red hair, in July of 2014 to bring more joy to their home! We are so thankful for the children God has given us and that they are all working in their respective churches to advance the Kingdom of God!
Here are a few tidbits of information about me that you might find interesting:
- June 2015 marks the 29th anniversary of my arrival here at Oak Grove. I have loved ALMOST every minute!
- I love to hunt and fish(especially spring turkey hunting and fall “archery” hunting for deer)
- I love to play golf
- My favorite food is perfectly grilled steak
- I am a Penn State football fan
- I am a news junkie (my wife says) Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Bill O’Reily and Fox News are some I listen to
- I love connecting with people and I am looking forward to knowing you better