Franklin, ME – Rose Ann Ely (Baillargeon) passed away peacefully at age 73 on September 14, 2017 at home in Franklin, ME where she resided with her husband, Walter J. Ely, Jr. of 29 years. Rose was a native of Westfield, MA. The daughter of the late Rene Baillargeon and Leona (Gosselin) Baillargeon and is survived by her sister and two brothers John Baillargeon, Viola Pierce and David Baillargeon. She was formerly married to the late Joseph R. Ritchie of Westfield for 18 years, which they shared four children together.
Rose will be greatly missed by her children and their spouses: Sandra Ritchie and spouse Michael Bernier of Chester, MA. Tina Ritchie and spouse Craig Lapierre of Westfield, MA. Joseph Ritchie and wife Kim Ritchie of Westfield, MA. Charlene (Ritchie) Tadiello and husband Ronald Tadiello of Chesterfield, MA. As a grandmother, she leaves behind ten grandchildren: Christopher, Janeane, Helene, John, Timothy, Cody, Megan, Jorden, Makenzi, Nathan, and seven great-grandchildren: Brandon, Savanah, Janelle, Cameron, Maximus, Logan, and Jaxon.
Rose enjoyed gardening, jewelry-making, and was a collector of many treasures, but most of all loved tag-saleing and spending time with her family.
She was hard-working and quite the survivor through life and will always be remembered for her giving spirit and unconditional love she gave to her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She had an unforgettable presence that will be forever missed.
Private family gathering will take place at a future date in the spring.
