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Bunny Murphy Ritchie
Bunny Murphy Ritchie
Obituary
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Bunny Ritchie Obituary
Bunny Murphy Ritchie of Monticello, FL passed away peacefully on October 26, 2013 at the age of 56.
Bunny worked for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for 36 years. She was very well known in the Law Enforcement Community statewide. Bunny was a loving wife, daughter, mother, sister, and grandmother. She devoted her life to serving God and her family.
She leaves behind to cherish her memories her loving husband Thomas (Tom) Ritchie, her mother and best friend Lucy Murphy McKown, Monticello FL; two daughters, Sunny Newman and Brandee Jones, Tallahassee; 3 stepchildren, Michael Ritchie, Bradenton, Kirsten Ritchie, South Florida, and Austin (AJ) Ritchie, Lloyd; 4 grandchildren, Nadina Jones, Breanna Jones, Trey Jones, and Mason Jones, all of Tallahassee. One brother William Joseph (Joe) Murphy Jr. of Pace, FL; 2 sisters, Annette Walker Deason (Danny) of Monticello, and Kaye Walker Bruce (Gil) of Tallahassee. One nephew, Chris Deason Crawfordville; 4 nieces, Mhari Gay (Tyler) Crawfordville, Stacy Cassady (Casey), Ruston, Louisiana, Kelly Hinnant (Chris), Pace, Lynna Bruce Sands (David), Tallahassee, and a dear cousin Karen Roddenberry Mock who played a big part in her life. I love you Karen! She was preceded in death by her father, William Joseph Murphy Sr.
The Funeral Service will be at Central Baptist Church, Aucilla FL, Wednesday, October 30, 2013, at 10:00 A.M.
In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Central Baptist Church Building Fund, 625 Tindell Rd., Monticello FL 32344
There will be a gathering of friends and family at the home of Lucy McKown from 6:00-8:00 P.M. Tuesday, October 29, 2013.
Bunny's wishes are that we celebrate her life, and she wants each and every one of you to know that she will be throwing pennies from Heaven. I love you all very much!
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Brandee Newman
October 23, 2024
I love you mom. I miss you every day.
Brandee Jurkowski
October 23, 2020
I miss you so much, mom. This year hasn’t been easy for any of us, but I know you’re looking down on us. I hope you and Aunt Kaye are having a great time in heaven. I love you so much
Me and Trey Trey m. We miss you!
Brandee Jones
July 26, 2016
Missing you like crazy tonight mama. Finding it hard to cope with the fact that I'll never get to talk to you again here on earth. I pray that God will send you to me in my dreams, atleast. It hurts just as much now as the day you left me. I love you mama, Bran Bran
Brandee Jones-Newman
April 13, 2016
Mama, I dreamt of you last night. Well, sort of. I dreamt that I was wearing a pair of your pants and inside the pocket was one of those slender sticks of "roll on" perfume you used to carry around. It smelled just like you. In my dream, I was so happy to have something that smelled like you. The clothes that aunt Sandy gave me have all lost your scent and it makes me sad, thinking that I'll forget what you smelled like. I miss you. Every day, ofcourse. I'm sure you are looking down on your grands. They're practically little adults now! I know you're so proud of Trey. He continues to grow into a young man that is so respectful and loving. He just told the other kids on the way to church this past Sunday that you did love all of them but you loved him just a little more ;) haha .. Mason claimed nana's favortism, ofcourse. Please continue to look over me and guide me. I don't need to be perfect, I just strive to leave them with a love for God, lots of family values, laughter, and precious memories when it's my time to join you. I love you mama... Bran Bran
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My gorgeous mama
Brandee Jones
April 13, 2016
Bunny and her babies
Brandee Jones
April 13, 2016
Looking up to you now in heaven, just as I always have ...
Brandee Jones
April 13, 2016
Mama and Me :)
Brandee Jones
April 13, 2016
My mama was a character :)
Brandee Jones
April 13, 2016
Sandra Kirkland
October 21, 2015
Sunny and Brandee, there is never a day that passes that I do not think of your precious mom, and will never ever forget her. She always had that beautiful smile, that "bubbly" personality that lit up the world like a ray of sunshine wherever she went.
She was such a great Christian, and her love for God, for the two of you, her mom, the rest of the family, and friends and strangers alike, was so obvious to anyone and everyone that ever came in contact with her.
Her physical body left us much to soon, but she will never be forgotten.... She lives on through the two of you. Without a doubt I know she is very proud of the both of you.
If ever in doubt of making a decision about anything, ask yourself first, what would Jesus do, and then, what would your mom do. You will always get the right answers.
You will both continue to be very much in my thoughts and prayers.
Love, hugs and prayers, Sandra Bruce Kirkland
Brandee Jones
October 20, 2015
I miss you just as much today as I did the day you left us. Things have been tough on me lately. I keep trying to tell myself that you would want to be strong and happy, and at peace. I am trying, mama. Please send me strength from heaven. I love you and miss you dearly. This hole in my heart will never be filled.
Nan Lovett Baughman
October 3, 2014
Bunny, it is coming up on a year since you left us and I miss and think of you often. I am so glad we got to reconnect and spend time together. I talk with your Mom and see her often. We all miss you girl.
Linda Hill
September 24, 2014
Bunny, the Legacy caused me to think of you again more deeply and that is a good thing because no one will ever forget you. Out of the people I know you brought more joy to this world. I remember the last time I saw you and you were so full of life and always were. I remember how you took care of Lisa when my Grandmother passed away. You were right there with her all day...God has blessed many people with your love.
I for one thank him for my time with you at DHSMV and Seminole Baptist. Thanks for being there for us.
Linda Hill
September 23, 2014
Brandee Jones
September 23, 2014
I am really scared of the year anniversary of you being gone. I don't know why, I guess it just feels like it was yesterday. And maybe the year anniversary makes me feel like that much more time that you haven't been here to share the things happening on earth. I miss you. I love you with all my heart. Love, Bran Bran
April 19, 2014
Stopping in to say hello... I miss you every day. It's been almost 6 months and my heart still breaks every day. The world and people around me seem to keep moving but I just can't seem to grasp the fact that you're not here anymore.
Me and Sunny have been so close, and we are keeping eachother strong. I know you'd be proud of that. I see so much of you in her these days, which I know makes you chuckle because you always said she acts just like daddy. ;)
Please keep sprinkling strength over me. I really need it right now. I love you mom.
Lynne Schumacher
December 12, 2013
Every day at work, Bunny's name pops up on something - and I think about her, and I smile, and I miss her very much. I'm a better person for having Bunny in my life as a friend and as a colleague. No one will ever be able to do her job like she did. Her passing leaves a huge void at our agency that affects her co-workers, and also law enforcement agency members throughout our state.
Brandee Jones
November 18, 2013
I miss you more and more every day. I love you, mom. Your baby girl, Bran Bran
Heidi Evans
November 7, 2013
Bunny when I got the call about you passing I was speechless. You taught me so much and I remember when we trained together for 3-4 days in Sarasota. Thank you for all the memories. May you rest in peace and watch over everyone! You will be missed.
Lynn Molitor
November 6, 2013
Please accept my deepest condolences on your loss. I worked with Bunny for 27 years and cannot begin to tell you how much she'll be missed. She was a joy to work with, fun to talk with, and her devotion to God and her family was evident in everything she did.
November 4, 2013
WHAT A BEAUTIFUL SPECIAL ANGEL.
GOD REST HER SOUL.
kathy knight bernal
November 1, 2013
To all who loved our Bunny family and friends alike and in this case pretty much all are family because Bunny always treated you like family. I send my deepest sympathies I met Bunny thru church and we played softball together she later took me in to live with her family for a year to finish school in Tallahassee because my parents had been relocated and it was my senior year at godby and she did not want me to miss my senior year so she let me live with her and family and I that was a very special time in my life and I will always love her for being there and helping me thru different things and growing up and most of making me part of her family because as I said that is what she did she made you family Nanna Lucy, Annette, Kay, Joe, Sunny, Brandy, Tom and all my heart aches with yours but as said previously Heaven has a beautiful and fun loving new angel thank you god for letting us borrow her for awhile. love you rabbit
Jeanie Hughes
October 31, 2013
Thoughts and prayers to all families and friend of this beautiful lady Bunny. I will never forget the joy and laughter you brought to so many of us.The first time we met was at Wendy's party soaking our feet and joking and laughing (had our own party in the corner). Then the yardsales.Long talks in wal mart parking lots. And your yard sale you gave me the shirt right off your back cause I said I liked it, you said it yours that just who you were. I will miss your sense of humor your beautiful smile and kindness. I will miss u but never forget you. Till we meet again our angel in heaven may you RIP.
October 30, 2013
Sending prayers and love to you all. She was a dear friend and will be missed.
Mike Brown
Dixie Wilkinson. Retired Pensacola PD
October 30, 2013
So very sorry to hear about Bunny. She always had a beautiful smile when I saw her at the CJIS gatherings. She will be missed.
Tracie Crawford
October 30, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with all who loved Bunny. I knew her through my job and loved discussing things with her. We knew the same people and enjoyed what we did to help the state. She was a wonderful person and I will miss talking to her. May God be with all of you and wrap his loving arms around you. Pennies from heaven is what we will see when we think of her.
Julie Labolito
October 30, 2013
I had the pleasure of working with Bunny at FDLE. She was a great lady and I know her passing has left a hole in this family. Prayers for you all.
St Louis Family
October 30, 2013
To Bunny's loved ones,
May the love of those around you help you through the days ahead. Hold tight to precious memories. Lean on each other for support. And cling to God's Word the Bible.
James 4:8 encourages,
"Draw close to God, and HE will draw close to you."
Our deepest sympathies,
Linda Hill
October 30, 2013
To All of Bunny's family,
This was really a shock to see that Bunny has passed away. I have known her since she was a student at Godby and she started to work with us at DHSMV and later going to FDLE.
Bunny was beautiful inside and out. Her smile and laugh was contagious and you always loved being with her. May you know she lived her life in a way that will always be remembered. God bless each of you as you go through this sad time.
Linda Hill
Cindy Pease
October 30, 2013
I was shocked to hear of Bunny's passing. We had some great times working at FDLE and putting up veggies for the winter. Bunny was a great friend, beautiful woman with the biggest heart that consistently helped others. She will be missed.
Jim Holland
October 30, 2013
Joe, Kaye and all, I am so sorry to hear of Bunny's passing. I knew her while I worked for FDLE. May He grant you comfort, peace and healing during this trying time of grieving. As time passes the hurt will subside and the good memories will come thru.
Margaret Goodman
October 29, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with the many family and friends. May you find peace during this time from GOD, family and friends, our loss on earth is Heavens gain - Thank you Bunny for the many years of friendship my dear friend. As I reflect on our friendship over the years I am flooded by many memories, from serious talks to the times filled with laughter and ALL the times I reached out to you for help with a problem at work and our many talks of our retirement. You were always there ready to solve and help at a minutes notice. You will truly be missed, rest in peace my friend and I will be looking for the pennies you throw from Heaven! ~ The angels are always near to those who are grieving, to whisper to them that their loved ones are safe in the hand of God. ~
Sandra Sellers
October 29, 2013
Dear Lucy and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of Bunny's passing. May God give you peace and comfort during this difficult time as only He can.
Clarence and Sandra
Debbie Pritchard
October 29, 2013
I was so saddened to hear of Bunny's passing. Bunny was such a beautiful person. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May God comfort you and your family during this difficult time.
Vicki MacKenzie Lynam
October 29, 2013
Bunny's light shines on. She leaves a wonderful legacy of love.
Sherry Baxley
October 29, 2013
I had the pleasure of meeting Bunny just recently. She was a warm and delightful lady. My heart goes out to the Ritchie and Murphy families and my Sister in law Karen Mock as well.
Michael Griffin
October 29, 2013
I was so saddened to here of Bunny's passing, she came into my life as a young man of 16 and I was thrilled to call her my girlfriend for several months, she was very special to me. She will be missed. God bless her family and friends.
Donna Hodges
October 29, 2013
I was deeply saddened to hear of Bunny's passing. I first knew her from Godby High School, and then had the opportunity to work with her at FDLE for many years. She had a beautiful smile and was a beautiful lady inside and out. She will truly be missed.
Kenny Smith
October 29, 2013
The world lost a beautiful lady but, heaven welcomed home an angel. I grew up with Bunny and have many precious memories. Her family welcomed me when I needed it and for that I am forever grateful. God Bless all of those who loved her.
October 29, 2013
My heart and prayers goes out to Bunny's family. Have many wonderful memories of her when we hung out at Palmer Monroe Community Center as kids. Her smile light up the room.
Jeanie Mitchell-Burgos
Pam O'Neal
October 29, 2013
I can still remember that sweet Bunnie from many years ago, but what stands out the most to me was seeing Bunnie at our last Godby Reunion in August of this year. She was sitting at her table with others, and she just seemed to glow with that beautiful smile and looking quite elegant. I was able to talk to her about old times for a while. Now, I know that look I remember and that conversation I had with her was meant to be by the good Lord himself. Bless you, sweet angel. The absence of your presence here on earth is greatly missed, but God gave you your wings. Rest in Peace my friend. ~p
Sherry Groff
October 29, 2013
For 34 years I have had the pleasure of knowing Bunny through FDLE and our local Sheriff's Office. She was always there when we had a question and if she didn't know the answer, she never gave up until she found it. Bunny, you are an amazing lady and I will truly miss you. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends.
Kevin Langson
October 29, 2013
Ms. Lucy, Annette, Kay, and Joe, I am so sorry for your loss. What a shock to us all. Bunny will be missed greatly. Love you all, Kevin
Carol Marchant
October 29, 2013
So very sorry to hear of Bunny's sudden passing. She was always so bubbly and effervescent and she made the world a much better place just by being in it. Her Facebook posts were hilarious and I always enjoyed reading them. Rest in peace, Bunny. Another Brevard classmate gone too soon.
Shirley & Charlie Huggins
October 29, 2013
Lucy and family-So sorry to hear of Bunny's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. Charlie & Shirley
Mike & Merica Granger
October 29, 2013
Condolences and prayers for Bunny's family.
Frankie Norris-Crawford
October 29, 2013
I am so saddened at the passing of Bunny. It was always a pleasure seeing and talking with her. We always compared retirement plans. Bunny will be so missed all across the state. My prayers to your family Bunny.
Jane O'Brien
October 29, 2013
So very sorry to hear about your loss. I know she was loved very much and will be missed by a lot of people.
Donna Johnson
October 29, 2013
my prayers go out to bunnies family and friends. I will keep your memories in my heart always
Joyce Harris
October 29, 2013
Bunny hired me in 1981 at FDLE. She was the nicest and most kind person one could ever meet. Her smile was contagious and she enjoyed life. May the family find comfort in knowing that Bunny hasn't left us she is now watching over us. Great woman!!!
David and Kathy Fleeman
October 29, 2013
We are so very sorry to hear of Bunny's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. Sending much love and our deepest sympathy.
Sherry Ferrell
October 29, 2013
We were shocked to hear of Bunny's passing. We have had some wonderful times together and she will be remembered always. Our heart goes out to Bunny's family. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you.
Ronnie and Sherry
October 29, 2013
A tremendous loss for all of us. God speed healing light to Bunny's family.
Debbie
Linda Herring
October 29, 2013
Annette & Family I am so sorry for the loss of Bunny!!! You are in my thoughts & prayers! I think of all the years as early teens with you & family! I have always loved your family! I apologize that I cannot be there with you!! I give you my love & prayers & will talk to you soon!!
Vicky Berden
October 29, 2013
I was just given the news of her passing. And although I haven't talked to her in a couple of years, we always had some laughs when we talked. I'm so sorry for the loss her family is dealing with. ?
Mary J Marchant
October 29, 2013
To the family of Bunny,
I am so sorry and shocked that Bunny passed away so suddenly. She was a student at Caroline Brevard Elementary School and was a pleasure having her in my music classes. She will be greatly missed.
Ramona Rabon
October 29, 2013
Brandee & family, I am so sorry for your loss. May God bless and keep you all in His loving care.
Wava Harrell
October 29, 2013
Annette and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I remember Bunny from our school days and then seeing her again after many years at Central Baptist Church. She will be missed.
Danny Percy
October 29, 2013
Very sad news and so unexpected. Bunny was fun be around and had that kind of personality that really left an impression (good). She will be missed.
Kristie Linzy
October 29, 2013
What a beautiful soul she was. Heaven has a beautiful angel now ??
Sharon Tyler`
October 29, 2013
Bunny your smile and heart lit up a room, now I'm sure you'll help light up the heavens. Many precious childhood memories shared with you. Prayers for comfort and peace for all that love you. Sharon Council Tyler
October 29, 2013
My thoughts and prayers go out to Bunny's family. She was a beautiful girl! Love, Jaime Smith Hatcher
Angie (Waddell) Crayton
October 29, 2013
Bunny was such a wonderful blessing to so many lives. Great memories growing up on Sharkey Street. May God hold her family members close to Him in the days and weeks to come.
Barbara Thigpen
October 29, 2013
Mrs. Lucy and family, I was so saddened to hear of Bunny's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this sad time.
Karen Roddenberry/Mock
October 29, 2013
There are NO words to describe my love for my Bunny. She has been a part of my life such birth. I love her and will forever cherish the memories I have of our time together. The days to come will be empty for me without her. But this I know she will be waiting for me with that Beautiful smile of hers and her arms open wide....this poem is for you Bunny....
If tears could build a stairway
And memories were a lane
I would walk right up to Heaven
And bring you back again
No farewell words were spoken
No time to say goodbye
You were gone before I knew it
And only God knows why
My heart still aches in sadness
And my tears still flow like rain
What it meant to lose you
No one will ever know
But know I know you want us
To mourn for you no more
To remember all the happy times
Life still has in store
Since you'll never be forgotten
I pledge to you today
A hallowed place within my heart
Is where you'll always stay
I love you with all my Heart & Soul
Until we meet again
Karen
Susie Mathis (McCollister)
October 29, 2013
I was so saddened to hear of Bunny's passing. Bunny was such a bright light to many. May God comfort you during this difficult time.
Susie Sutton Hodges
October 29, 2013
Thoughts and Prayers are with your family. So many good childhood memories of Bunny, such a special lady!
Walter & Dianne McCollister
October 29, 2013
Our deepest sympathies to the entire family. May God bless you and comfort you during this most difficult time.
Kathy & Clark Taft
October 29, 2013
Sunny so sorry to hear about your mom, prayers being sent for you and your family.
Mary (manning) Barineau
October 29, 2013
As part of the Sharkey Street kids let me say this light will be missed. I have very fond memories and stories of Bunny.
Cindy & Roddy Roddenberry
October 29, 2013
Bunny,
You will be missed so much. Everyone loved you and cherished you. I am so glad that you were in our lives and always will be. We will love you always. Roddy and Cindy
October 29, 2013
Thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time. May God be with each one.
Sullivan
Ruth Bartlett Braddy
October 29, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with you Ms. Lucy and family. I pray that God will comfort you during this time.
I was saddened and shocked to hear of Bunny's death. Bunny and I go way back to elementary school. I am glad that I got the chance to have breakfast with her, Karen and Ms. Lucy before her death. I will always remember her beautiful smile and funny personality. Bunny will forever live in my heart.
Sandra Bruce Kirkland
October 29, 2013
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
judi croney
October 28, 2013
I was so sorry to hear of Bunny's passing. We grow up together and worked at FDLE for many years. She was a good person and will be greatly missed.
Judi Griffin Croney
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485 E. Dogwood Street, Monticello, FL 32344
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