Donna Ritchey Shoup

Donna was a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend whose warmth, kindness, and unwavering strength left an indelible mark on all who knew her. She was born in Illinois, she lived in California and Pennsylvania. Later, Donna moved to Brownsville, Texas, and then to Southaven, Mississippi. Fifteen years ago, she relocated to Colorado Springs to be near her family, where she enjoyed her later years surrounded by those she loved.

Donna had a deep love for Jesus and was passionate about sharing His love with everyone she met. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life, and she often expressed it with her favorite saying, “Yippee God Jesus,” a phrase she coined to celebrate her joy in the Lord. Jesus was her best friend and guiding light.

Donna was a beautiful singer and a talented musician who played bass in her father’s orchestra and even got to perform with Pat Boone .She found joy in crocheting intricate doilies, sewing, attending Bible studies, and spending time with her cherished family. She had a gift for making ordinary moments special and left behind a legacy of love, faith, and creativity.

Donna is survived by her sons, Larry Rithaler and Chris Cavazos; her daughter, Marla Weeks, and son-in-law, Jeff Weeks; and her daughter-in-law, Sharlene Butler. She was preceded in death by her loving son, Robert. She loved her grandsons and grand daughters, dearly as well as her great- grandson.

We will be forever grateful to the wonderful staff at The Healthcare Retreat for their love and care during Donna’s time there. Their kindness and dedication brought comfort to both her and our family.

A memorial service to celebrate Donna’s life will be held for family and close friends at the Chapel of Memories in Colorado Springs on January 31 at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to her loving church, The Ark of the Rockies, 2376 Academy Place, Colorado Springs, CO 80909-1604 in her memory.

She will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.