Beulah Oma (Ritchie) Wages, age 85 of Dayton, passed away peacefully on August 12, 2026, at Kettering Health Network – Main Campus, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on July 4, 1941, in Frankfort, KY, the daughter of the late Isaac & Grace (Huges) Ritchie.

Beulah dedicated her career to caring for others as a respiratory therapist, serving in several hospitals throughout Kentucky. In her free time, she found joy in reading and watching mystery shows, and she enjoyed horses. She especially looked forward each year to the Kentucky Derby, other horse races, and the excitement of the day. In recent years, she made her home with her great-grandson and caregiver, Ryan Wages.

Preceded in death by her siblings: Emma (Ritchie) Manny, Richard Ritchie, Payton Ritchie, Stella (Ritchie)Woodside, Virginia Ritchie, Carl Ritchie, and Johnny Ritchie.

She will be lovingly remembered by her children, Allen Manns, Neal Wages and wife Michelle, and Lorene Witten and husband John; her daughter-in-law, Tina Pryor; and her brothers, Lenny Ritchie and Andrew Ritchie. She also leaves cherished memories with her grandchildren, Angie Bryslan, Neal Scott Wages, Jr. and wife Brandi, Dena Hull and husband Tim, and Brian Wages and wife Tina; her great-grandchildren, Adella Bryslan (Austin), Kenny Bryslan (Hannah), Joey Bryslan (Alanie), Haley Wages, Hunter Wages, Ryan Wages (Shaleigh), McKayla Wages (Anthony), Kole Baker (Harley), Brennan Wages (Lainey), Caymie Wages, Grayson Wages, and Candace Wages; five great-great-grandchildren, with one more expected; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Mrs. Wages’ body has been accepted by the Boonshoft School of Medicine at Wright State University through its Anatomical Gift Program.

Please share memories and condolences at www.swartfuneralhome.com. Expressions of Sympathy, Love, and Thinking of You cards may be sent to The Family of Mrs. Beulah Oma (Ritchie) Wages, C/O Swart Funeral Home, 207 E. Central Ave., West Carrollton, Ohio 45449.