Carol Ritchie

Minot

Carol (Hutchinson) Ritchie, a loving wife, devoted mother, cherished grandmother, sister, aunt, and dear friend, passed away peacefully on April 6, surrounded by the love of those who meant most to her, after a short battle with cancer. Born on May 20, 1949, in Rugby, North Dakota, Carol approached life with gentle kindness and found her greatest joy in caring for and being surrounded by her family.

Family was the heart of Carol’s world. Above all else, she treasured her husband of nearly 50 years, Gene; her daughter, Kimberly; and her beloved grandsons, Jordan and Hunter. They were her greatest joy and her proudest accomplishments.

Carol was born to Dennett and Clara Hutchinson and grew up in Rugby, where she graduated from Rugby High School in 1967. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology from Minot State University, graduating in 1971.

She devoted 43 years to her profession as a medical technologist, serving with compassion, skill, and commitment. Over the years, Carol worked at Trinity Hospital; for Dr. Kenneth Amstutz, Dr. Victor Kaljot, and Dr. Samir Farah; and later at TriCare. She concluded her distinguished career with the UND School of Medicine in Minot, retiring with deep respect from colleagues who valued her expertise and steady presence.

Outside of family and work, Carol found joy in creative and simple pleasures. She enjoyed card making, reading, walking, and gardening. She was a wonderful cook who took great joy in preparing meals for family and friends and enjoyed spending winters in Florida.

Carol is survived by her husband, Gene; her daughter, Kimberly (Eric) Franke; her grandsons, Jordan and Hunter Franke; her sister, Susan Hutchinson Banning; her brother, Dennett (Karen) Hutchinson; and numerous cherished nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Dennett and Clara Hutchinson, and her brother-in-law, Chuck Banning.

A private burial service will be held with family on the morning of May 21 at Persilla Watts Cemetery in Rugby. Family and friends are warmly invited to a Celebration of Life on Thursday, May 21, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Carnegie Center, located at 105 2nd Ave. SE in Minot.

In lieu of memorials, Carol would wish for donations to be made to the charity of your choice.

Arrangements with the Anderson Funeral Home of Rugby. Online registry: www.funeralsbyanderson.com

Published by The Minot Daily News, May 15, 2026.