Christopher Ryan "Chris" Ritchie
Christopher Ryan "Chris" Ritchie
Obituary
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Christopher Ritchie Obituary
Christopher was 17 months old when we first met. It was love at first sight and he came home with us that very day to be part of our family. What a wonderful and joyous day that was! He took our mundane life and turned it into an adventure.
Christopher was one of the most loving persons you would ever meet, even at 17 months of age. He loved EVERYBODY and wanted to be everyone's friend. He taught us how to look beyond the person outer appearance and appreciate people for what was in their hearts. He always made sure he greeted everyone and asked how they were doing when he came into a group of people. He especially felt a passion for taking care and looking after the small children. Maybe his early childhood experience influenced his desire to protect them.
Being outdoors, playing baseball, spending time at the lake and family gatherings were his favorite times. He was a natural at watersking. He could ski for the longest time waving at all the boats that passed by. His nickname was "skicat" when on the lake. He loved playing the harmonica in a jam session and thought the world of Ted Williams who helped him with the music and taught him to ski.
He loved his family and his family dearly loved him. He left behind many grieving hearts of his family and friends.
Not flesh of my flesh nor bone of my bone,
but still miracleously my own.
Always remember son and never forget it,
You didn't grow under my heart but in it.
Born: Mar 20, 1983 in Anchorage, Alaska
Died: Apr 03, 2001 in Sherman, Texas
About: Boy Scouts of America Sherman Little League Baseball
70 Entries
Alana Bullard
April 7, 2022
My friend died last December and wasn't able to get a burial due to the circumstances, so i walk the cemetery finding people her age and i sit at their graves. Maybe this is odd, but i always stop and visit Richie and chat for a moment, so i thought id find his family to pay my respects. I hope you all are doing okay <3
Momma
April 3, 2019
18 years seems like forever ago I got to hug you but the day you died feels like yesterday. I love just as much as the first time I saw you. You made me a momma for the first time. I got to do all things mommas of boys get to do. I loved it all. Thank you for being part of my earthly journey. Until I can run into your arms I´ll keep you in my heart.
Aunt Linda
November 28, 2014
I miss you and miss my hugs since I didn't
have a daddy to give me hugs. Remember?
Linda Jackson
April 3, 2014
No farewell words were spoken. No time to say goodbye. You were gone before we knew it and only God knows why. I love you, aunt Linda.
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Brittany Scarborough
March 24, 2014
I have been thinking of you lately. The times we had at Preston on Lake Texoma. The nights we would stay up late and go swimming and talking for hours. How we would be so far apart during the school years but each Summer... we knew where we would be... and we would always have each other...I miss you, my friend. I miss your smile and your laughter... Keep watching over me.. I love you.
Pam Bizzle
May 14, 2013
I remember you bringing Chris into the office. He was so little then. So sorry your time was cut short with him. take peace in knowing he is in a better place and you will see him again in heaven.
your loving mom
February 20, 2013
Wow, what a wonderful Sunday being in touch with you through the psychic in Frisco. You touched my heart when you said you felt bad that you left us suddenly in the accident without time to prepare for your passing. You knew how hard that was for us. Always thinking of others my sweet boy.
I was comforted by you telling us you were in an amazing amazing place and that your faith allowed you to enter there. You admitted you had lost some faith but was gaining it back before the accident and that's why you were allowed to come to the amazing place where you are growing and learning.
I was in complete utter amazement when you said you knew of Katie's pink and white wedding and Jesse. You said you were responsible for hooking them up and you knew Jesse was a good man with good roots to take care of her.
It was good to have confirmation that you are with us still just in a different energy. My energy and soul is renewed just visualizing your wonderful smile, strong bear hugs and always saying "Goodnight momma I love you." I can't wait to visit with you again.
Glenda Ritchie
January 14, 2013
You've been on my mind more than usual. When I see some child struggling to fit in the expected norm my heart breaks. When we're planning Katie's wedding, I'm thinking of you too. I know you will be celebrating with us. One tradition is to have the brother of the bride escort her mother. If I walk down the aisle physically by myself I know you will be there. I will not be hesitant because I know I am not alone. We will have a place for you there. It will say "I know you'd be here if heaven wasn't so far away". It will be for you, mammaw, papaw and the granddad you and Katie never knew. Luv You
Cally Wood-Cherry
October 29, 2010
there isn't a day goes by i don't think of chris. a life cut far too short with too much potential. I love you with all my heart Chris I always will
Cally Wood-Cherry
March 15, 2011
I wish you knew how much I still miss you. You always made me smile. i have never had a better friend then you and I probally never will. I think of you everyday. You will always have a special place in my heart. I love you.
Kathy Killgo-Hoover
March 20, 2011
I remember the first time Glenda brought Chris to work. He was just so precious and loving. He ran all over the office and the look on Glenda's face was one of the deepest love you could ever see in a Mom's face. What a precious gift.
JW
December 8, 2011
Although I did not know Chris I extend to you my deepest sympathy Something that has helped me in times of distress is reading Jehovah's Word, the Bible, which assures: "There will be a resurrection" (Acts 24:15). May this divine hope comfort you during this difficult time.
Rosalind Cain Motley
April 9, 2010
Chris was so good with our Sunday School Class. He accepted everyone as an equal and all the class members loved him and looked forward to seeing him. He also made me feel special. I always felt better after seeing and visiting with him.
Richard Vardy
April 3, 2010
I will always remember Chris for having that wonderful smile. He would take everyone in his heart and I will always love him. I wish I could have spent more time with him. I wanted to laugh with him and be with him when he was sad. I wish you peace and tranquility and you will never be away from the people that loved you.
Sue Honea
April 3, 2010
Oh this is the Chris I remember... I first moved into the neighborhood and he was a greeter, the first person I met. Not only did Tim and I meet him but he made friends with our kids. Jessica and Lauren hold very fond memories of Chris. I have to laugh because he would come by my house on his way home and tell me things, that im sure he would know I would tell Glenda. But he would tell me anyway. Wow, kids will make you shake your head, bow your head, but always love them. Because they are yours. Thank You Joe, Glenda and Katie for letting Tim, Jessie, Lauren and Myself to be part of your family. We will remember Chris, for the young man he was. We love you all, and think about you.
Sherri (Cousin)
April 2, 2010
The saying goes that it isn't the years on the tombstone but the dash in between that represents the life and legacy of a person. As short of a life as it was for Chris, it was one full of LOVE, JOY and HAPPINESS given and received. Every time I think of him, I laugh at how mischievous, innocent and sweet he could be all at the same time. That is the Chris we all will always remember.
Diane
April 2, 2010
Awesome book ! He was a very handsome guy. I'm sure he was lucky to have you both. And you were lucky to have him, I just wish you had more time with him. Love ya
Fran Roberts
April 2, 2010
Chris was so full of life and so happy to be around people. I miss him so very much and will never forget the day I met him. He could sure make his Uncle Jerry laugh. He brought many happy moments to Joe, Glenda and Katie's lives.
Linda Jackson
April 1, 2010
Once he asked me why I didn't have a "Daddy." I explained that not everyone had a "Daddy" and I just happened to be one of those people. He asked "Who gives you hugs and kisses?" I told him I just accepted them from whoever offered and he told me he would make sure I always had them and he kept his word. From that day forward I received a hug and a kiss from Chris. I feel so blessed to have heard that last "I love you Aunt Linda." I knew that God had a purpose for Chris the day he saved a little boy from drowning at the pool, nearly drowning himself and when he saved his Mom, Dad and Katie when the toaster over caught the kitchen on fire. He was sooo special.
Loretta Clariday
March 30, 2010
Chris was always the first one out of the door to greet us when we came to visit. He was incredibly hospitable to his younger cousins, entertaining them, taking them for 4-wheeler rides. I'll never forget that he carved Halloween Jack-o-lanterns with my kids while Glenda and I picked up the flowers for Mama's funeral.
Celebrating Katie's 1st b-day - Chris loved his baby sister. Oh my goodness, Why are the matches in front of Chris?????
March 31, 2010
Me, Honey and PawPaw - Thank goodness Honey was young enough to keep up with me. Whew, I could wear anybody out.
March 31, 2010
Rare moment - Chris never slowed down until he wore himself out. Joe and I would joke that we were going to have to hire a baby sitter for night time so we could sleep.
March 31, 2010
We love Easter!
March 31, 2010
Dog pile Jerry! - (12/25/1991) - Christmas celebration at Honey's.
March 31, 2010
Me and cus's - Love my cousins. Finally a picture with Tracie Dewayne!
March 31, 2010
First snorkling trip in Cancun, Mexico - (4/1995)
March 31, 2010
Chris surprises Katie with party - (9/30/2000) - It was Katie's 14th birthday and Chris decided to throw her a surprise party. He decorated the shop and did it all by himself. He didn't ask me for any help. It was a great day for us.
March 31, 2010
March 31, 2010
Yea Christmas! - Hey Laura, I love my little cousins! Can y'all come over more often? Katie thinks the dining room is the Christmas Table.
March 31, 2010
Yea Christmas! - I have lots of cousins! Hey Sherri, rabbit ears. That's for torturing me when you kept us during the summer.
March 31, 2010
Yea Christmas! - Yahoo, I have a big family at Christmas. I love my cousins.
March 31, 2010
My first night in foster care - (10/17/1983)
March 30, 2010
I have a grandpa and Honey! - No doubt there was a happy reunion in heaven on 4/3/2001 with PawPaw waiting there to greet his "little chicken" one of many nicknames PawPaw had for Chris.
March 30, 2010
I have a Grandpa! - Hey grandpa, can I smoke? Honey seems to be upset about your answer. Oh well, what are grandpa's for if not to spoil you?
March 30, 2010
Are you my brother? - Heck no, Brandon said. I was the #1 son until you came along!
March 30, 2010
Chris always loved his momma! - I was blessed that Christopher always opened the door to our bedroom and said "goodnight momma. I love you". I can still hear him saying it today.
March 30, 2010
Aunt Linda welcomes me to the family!
March 30, 2010
With Mamaw
March 30, 2010
My first night at home - - (8/23/1984) - I love my daddy! I hugged him and sat in his lap all the way home. It was a long way because Momma got lost from the excitement and drove us all around Grand Prairie and the DFW airport.
March 30, 2010
Prom 2000 - Chris and good friend Jessica going to Sherman High prom.
March 30, 2010
Yippee- holiday spread - Chris's favorite time - gathering of family and a big spread at Fran's house.
March 30, 2010
Lake Texoma - Preston Recreation - The only tree on the beach. Chris, Katie and Emily Williams. What monkeys
March 30, 2010
March 30, 2010
My first fish
March 30, 2010
March 30, 2010
March 30, 2010
March 30, 2010
Lake Texoma
March 30, 2010
Yum Yum at the lake!
March 30, 2010
March 30, 2010
Tracie's Wedding - Well Dave's first big blooper. The family picture was ready to be taken but Chris was MIA. Dave said "take it without him and tell him he was adopted." In unison, the family said "he was"!
March 30, 2010
March 30, 2010
March 30, 2010
Picture Day! - Momma forgot as usual that it was picture day. Just as well. She probably would have made me wear one of those stupid bow ties like she did in first grade.
March 30, 2010
How do you want your hamburger?
March 30, 2010
March 30, 2010
The Giant All Stars!
March 30, 2010
March 30, 2010
March 30, 2010
March 30, 2010
Chris and Joey
March 30, 2010
Halloween 1986 - Chris was a clown. He wore a clown costume handed down from Sherri.
March 30, 2010
Life is good! - This is about the most perfect picture of my life.
March 30, 2010
Perfect family! - We finally had our perfect family. Took 13 years but we were finally living the American dream!
March 30, 2010
Proud Momma - After 11 years of fertility test, prayers and the adoption process, we were a Mom and Dad! How we loved this child more than anything in the world!
March 30, 2010
Daddy teaching me to read - I loved my daddy. My first two words were "daddy's boots". One day momma couldn't find my shoes. I had lined them up in daddy's closet next to his shoes. I had big shoes to fill.
March 30, 2010
No rest for momma! - An active toddler in the house changed everything. No more R&R at the Ritchie's!
March 30, 2010
Proud papa
March 30, 2010
Christopher at 18 months
March 30, 2010
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