Esther Ann Ritchie

Esther Ann Ritchie of Neeld Estate, Huntingtown, Maryland passed away peacefully on May 7, 2026 with family by her side. Esther Ann was born November 7, 1935 in Washington, DC to Kenneth Henry Hammerman and Daisy Nola Valentine Hammerman. Being their only child, she achieved independence at an early age and would walk to DC neighborhood movie theaters after school while her mother was at work. Her love of movies was a passion she enjoyed her entire life.

Esther attended Eastern High School in Washington, DC, where she met and began dating her future husband, David B. Ritchie. After graduating from Eastern a semester early, she attended Purdue University on a scholarship, eventually earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature from the University of Maryland, College Park.

She enjoyed various roles over her lifetime including housewife, mother, payroll clerk, real estate agent, family caregiver, businesswoman, beagle lover, and being “Nana” to her three grandchildren.

Representing Breezy Point, a marina, campground, and beach resort which she co-owned with her husband David from 1967 to 1988, her gentle demeanor and soft sell approach won over many potential customers to the family-friendly recreation Breezy Point provided.

Esther enjoyed steadfast companionship with her beagles for almost 50 years. This began in 1974 with the original Sport, a stray beagle stricken with mange that she picked up from the side of the road and nursed back to health, followed in succession by Sweetie, registered as “Sweetheart of Breezy Point,” Sport II, and Sport III. She was known to lovingly spoil them often and always shared her beagles with children and grandchildren who were eager to volunteer and accept the responsibility of being her official dog walker.

“Tuesday is Nana Day” became the expression all three of her grandchildren knew and loved as Nana made each feel special with a day packed full of library programs, outings, swimming lessons, and fun activities. On these special Tuesdays, her Kodak film camera captured many cherished photos of her grandchildren as they grew up.

Esther Ann was preceded in death by David, her husband of 56 years. She is survived by her two children, Cheryl D. Ritchie of Chesapeake Beach, Maryland, and Mark D. Ritchie and his wife Kristin of Chesapeake Beach, Maryland; grandchildren Jordan Desruisseaux and her husband Scott of Arnold, Maryland, Austin Ritchie of Washington, DC, and Luke Ritchie and his wife Lauren, and great-granddaughters Brinley Rae and Hollis Katherine of Denver, Colorado; Valentine cousins Jeff Meetre, Rick Meetre and his wife Cathie, and their daughters Lisa Psaromatis, Sarah Liska and Jenny Meetre.

To honor Esther’s casual clothing preferences, attendees of her Celebration of Life are encouraged to wear bright pastels. Hawaiian shirts and Hawaiian muumuus are especially welcome.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Neeld Estate Citizens’ Association, Inc. to be earmarked for its annual 4th of July parade and festivities, which Esther Ann enjoyed for decades as participant, observer, and sponsor. Checks can be made payable to “NECA” and mailed to NECA, 5120 Shore Drive, Huntingtown, Maryland 20639.