With profound sadness and enduring love, we announce the passing of Robin Elizabeth (Sohl) Ritchie, age 77, on September 28, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona. Robin was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, family member, friend, and cherished presence in the lives of all who knew her.

Robin was born on July 10, 1949, in Alpine to William Sohl and Mary Jo (Richardson) Brown. From an early age, Robin possessed an inquisitive spirit that led her to connect with others and the world as a whole. Robin grew up ranching and riding horses, but the lifelong pursuit of knowledge was one of her greatest passions. It was not unusual to find Robin headdeep into a book before embarking on a new hobby or adventure.

Robin met the love of her life, John Stephen Ritchie, in 1976 after he was coaxed by a friend in the Navy to come to Alpine after his time in the service. The pair fell head over heels and were married on November 11, 1977. Robin attended Sul Ross State University (1993), earning her Bachelor of Science degree in biology, kinesiology, and sports science.

Robin used her education as an outlet to inspire others in the pursuit of knowledge by becoming a middle school and high school teacher. She touched the lives of so many children through her tenure and relished most in watching her students’ confidence grow.

Her years in education allowed her to continue her love of learning through travel, where she and Steve crisscrossed the globe, further developing their love for hobbies like scuba diving, skiing, and tropical plants.

As a mother and grandmother, she treasured her family and the generations that followed her. Robin was deeply dedicated to her four boys and their families. She loved being present and in full support of their accomplishments: speaking about science to an up-and-coming doctor, recipes to an aspiring chef, guidance in ranching to help carry on the tradition to a budding rancher, and technology to a mind that never rests in its pursuit of technological advancements.

Her excitement and participation extended to the lives of her grandchildren, attending FFA events, football games, parades, and recitals.

Those who loved Robin will remember the sound of her laughter, the warmth of her presence, the things that brought her joy, and the many small ways she showed how deeply she cared. They will remember a woman whose life was informed by knowledge, guided by love, and strengthened by family.

Robin is survived by her husband, John “Steve” Ritchie; her sons, Dr. William (Dr. Sandra) Ritchie, Gregory (Emma) Green, Bryan (Micaela) Ritchie, and Alan Ritchie; her brother, Rick Sohl; sister, Dr. Rochelle Ann Sohl; cousins, Patricia Ward Bryant and BainWard; nine grandchildren; and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William Sohl and Mary Jo (Richardson) Brown, and niece, Mary Jo (Johnson) Vick.

A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on October 31, 2026, at Big Bend Cowboy Church in Alpine. All are welcome!

In lieu of flowers and cards, family, friends, and loved ones are encouraged to please consider making a memorial gift in Robin’s name to St. Joseph’s Foundation, designated to the Norton Thoracic Institute (www.SupportStJosephs. org). Checks can be sent to St. Joseph’s Foundation, attn: Norton Thoracic Institute, 124 W. Thomas Rd, #250, Phoenix, AZ 85013.