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Julia Marie Ritchie

1954 - 2009

Julia Ritchie Obituary

Julia Marie Ritchie, 55, our beloved sister, went to be with our father in heaven on the Fourth of July weekend 2009.
Service: A memorial tribute for Julia Ritchie's friends and family will be held 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 18, at the R.V. Clubhouse behind "Cowboy Marketplace" located at 4170 E. Hwy 377 in Granbury.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, please make donations to SPCA animal rescue fund or a women's health fund.
Julia was born on Feb. 28, 1954. She was a graduate of Lake Worth High School and earned a degree in criminal justice from Texas Woman's University. She joined the Air Force and then became a police officer. She then went into forensic science.
Julia loved her family; close friends; and her dogs, Dax, Kurzon and Cheyanne. She enjoyed traveling, boating,fishing, scuba diving, and the beauty of all things.
We all honor Julia for her strength and positive support and will be greatly missed.
"Good people will be remembered as a blessing..." Proverbs 10:7
Survivors: Julia is survived by her mother, Thelma and Raymond Howard; sister, Debra K. O'Keefe; brother, Danny Howard; four nieces; two nephews; and so many other family members.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Star-Telegram from Jul. 12 to Jul. 14, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Julia Ritchie

Not sure what to say?





Leslie Phillips

July 7, 2024

I still think of Julia so often. I was lucky enough to count her as one of my closest friends. My beloved Dana Harvey, who went to be with our Father in Heaven in August of 2005 and I shared so many good times with Julia riding horses, traveling and just being together. I so admired Julia for her strength, courage and drive but most of all her kindness. She will always be in my heart.

DEBRA RITCHIE HOWARD O'KEEFE

July 11, 2010

Our 1 year that you are not on earth with us.,sis I just can't stop remembering all the beautiful life we shared together...thru the good times and the bad...you will always be in my heart everyday in every way....I LOVE YOU AND I MISS YOU HERE ON EARTH, I"LL BE WITH YOU WHEN MY MISSIONS ARE DONE HERE ON EARTH,TELL MOM AND DAD THAT I MISS THEM AND ALL OUR FAMILIES....SEE YOU IN HEAVEN SIS XOXOXO'S

July 8, 2010

Dear Julia,

You have been on my mind often since I wrote my first entry and every day this month -- the sad anniversary of your passing. In my mind I still see your intense blue eyes and beautiful smile. And I can still hear your voice. You will always be a part of me. I bet you and Dana are very happy to be together again -- friends forever and ever!

Love to you and your family,
Leslie

Pam Spivey

July 22, 2009

I am so sorry for your loss. I knew Julia brifely thru my sister Dana. Julia was a lovely person. My sister said that she could always trust Julia with her heart. Theay were close friends. Now they are both with God.

July 20, 2009

Our Sweet Julia,

I am so deeply saddened by your loss. I know that you are now free from the burdens and cares of this world but those that loved you (and there are many) will miss you all the days of their lives.

Your friendship was a precious and cherished gift and I know that I am very fortunate to have had you for a close friend. You helped me so much through difficult times with your willingness to listen and your positive attitude.

Julia, you will live in my heart forever. I will remember our horseback rides, scuba/snorkeling trips, golf games and many other fun activities. As I remember these things, you can bet that I will have a BIG smile on my face.

With Much Love,
Leslie

July 20, 2009

To My Ya Ya Sister,

I can not believe you are gone. We were going to grow old together. I miss you greatly. It saddens me to know I will not have anymore morning coffee chats with you. I will not look up and see you coming around the corner from my kitchen window. No more front porch visits or back porch visits. Our time spent together was oh so special and precious and way too short. Life will not be the same with out you. Until we meet again...

Love
Your Ya Ya Sister Pam

Penny Ritchie

July 16, 2009

Aunt Julia,

It saddens me about what happen. I know we have not always been close, but that doesn't mean that we did not Love or care we just did'nt see eye to eye. We will miss you and we LOVE YOU dearly. You will always be in our hearts. Love Penny & Roy-e K'

Penny Ritchie

July 16, 2009

Aunt Julia,

I am saddeded about what happen and I wish we would have been closer than we where. I Love You dearly and will keep you close to my heart, Penny

In Memory of Aunt Julia she will always be in our hearts

July 16, 2009

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2009

Buster OKeefe

July 15, 2009

Julia,

Since the first time I met you until the last time I saw you recently, you always told me how much you loved me and how special I was to you and I would tell you the same, I will miss that so much, you will forever be in my heart and never forgotten, I will miss you.

Brenda Slovak

July 15, 2009

Julia,

It is so hard to know what to say during times like these, but words are necessary.

I will always have fond memories of the fun (sometimes, childish) we had while working as police officers together and the continued friendship after that. Those late nights drives with college friends to the rural parts of Denton, so we could scare each other with stories of fairy tales. Your smile and laugh will be greatly missed.
My prayers go out to your family to give them strength through this difficult time.

Gerrett O'Keefe

July 14, 2009

"Aunt JuJu, I am very thankful that I got to see you again. You have always been my favorite aunt. I wish we could of had more time together...I miss you so much and always have. I will always love my juju. You will be in my heart and memories forever and ever, I love you very much, your niece, gerrett"

Danny

July 14, 2009

Julia,
I am so glad we got to know each other and become close as a brother and sister you are the cornerstone of our family, always encouraging and holding us up everyday. Bringing us closer together every day and knowing that there is more to life than just material things.
But it’s about people being connected to one another friends and family and accepting people as they really are showering one another with love, kindness, and forgiveness. You have touched a lot of people Julia and you will be greatly missed. And I miss you and Love you with all my heart!!
Your Brother,
Danny

Debra K Okeefe

July 14, 2009

Sis,
I love you and miss you so very much already...to hear your voice or to read your e-mails on a daily basis...you will be in my heart forever and a day.

your little sis,
dk

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