Martha Ritch Blakely

August 27, 1925 - August 3, 2017

Martha Ritch Blakely, 91, of Wilmington, North Carolina and formerly of Charlotte, passed away on August 3, 2017, at the Davis Community in Wilmington. Martha was born in Mecklenburg County on August 27, 1925, the daughter of Lex and Emma Bowen Ritch. She married Walter Reid Winecoff Sr. and worked as a waitress for many years at the Diamond Restaurant in Charlotte. In 2005, she moved from Charlotte to Wilmington to be closer to her son, Jeff. She was a fan of NASCAR, Elvis and dancing. Most of all, she loved the time spent with family and friends. Her life was filled with the love of family gatherings and cookouts. Martha will be sadly missed by all who knew her as a loving and devoted mother, wife, grandma, aunt and friend. Martha is survived by her three children: Walt Winecoff Jr of Charlotte, Elaine Rafajko of Concord, and Jeff (wife Donna) Winecoff of Oak Island, NC; a sister, Carolyn Davis of Alabama; and five grandchildren: Deborah Moore, Susan Painther, Sandra Karges, Barclay Brantley and Dana Bigelow. Martha is further survived by 10 great grandchildren, 9 great great grandchildren, and numerous other relatives and friends. Martha was preceded in death by her husband George “Lucky” Blakely; three brothers; and one sister. A gathering of friends and family will take place from 6:30 to 8:30 pm on Friday, August 11, at the Lowe-Neddo Funeral Home, 4715 Margaret Wallace Road, Matthews, NC 28105. A service led by Mr. Michael Neddo honoring the life, love and blessing of Martha will be held at eleven on Saturday, August 12, 2017. Following the service, Martha will be taken in procession to her final place of earthly rest at Evergreen Cemetery, Charlotte, NC. Please take a moment to share a memory, photo or condolence on Martha's tribute wall. Thank you for keeping the family in your thoughts, prayers and acts of kindness during this time.