Linda D Ritchey, age 74, passed into the arms of the Lord on Tuesday July 20, 2021 at her home in Las Vegas Nevada. She was born February 20, 1947 in Birmingham Alabama to Isaac Jackson Drummonds and Mary Josephine Langston. She had 4 siblings; Frank Drummonds (d. 2015), Helen Gray (Bellflower, Ca), Christiene Parker (Birmingham, Al) and Alice Parker (Birmingham, Al). In her early years, she was a talented singer making appearances on television with Conway Twitty, Country Boy Eddie and at the Grand Ole Opry. She was a one of a kind, larger than life personality that left everyone in stitches. She was the life of the party wherever she went with a sense of humor that was unmatched. She had the gift of gab, left little unsaid and often had so much to say she would even talked in her sleep. On July 3, 1971 she married the love of her life Ronald H Ritchey. Ron and Linda moved to Las Vegas in the first years of marriage where Linda learned how to play poker from some of the greatest of all time. It was there she was given the nickname the Red Tornado. It was said that a player better bring their bankroll when playing with the Red Tornado because she would blow right through your chips! The couple moved back to Birmingham, Al and lived a full and eventful life. In 1985, after over a decade of trying to conceive, they were blessed with a daughter. They moved to Southern California in 1988 and Linda dedicated her life to her husband and daughter. Her dedication, compassion, kindness, generosity and heart made her the ultimate wife, mother and friend. Linda was finally able fulfill her retirement dream and return to the place she loved moving back to Las Vegas in 2021.
She was preceded in death by her husband Ron (October 28, 2012) who would always sing on their anniversary, “Till the wells run dry and each mountain disappears. I'll be there for you to care for you through laughter and through tears. So take my heart in sweet surrender and tenderly say that I'm the one you love and live for till the end of time.
She is survived by her daughter Holly M Ritchey (Las Vegas, Nv) and her furry grandbaby Couture.
“My Mother kept a garden, a garden of the heart. She planted all the good things that gave my life its’ start. She turned me to the sunshine and encouraged me to dream, fostering and nurturing the seeds of self-esteem. And when the winds and rain came, she protected me enough- But not too much because she knew I’d need to stand up strong and tough. Her constant good example always taught me right from wrong- Markers for my pathway that will last a lifetime long. I am my Mother’s garden, I am her legacy- And I know today the love she shared will always live in me.”
Now…who’s ready for some chicken!
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmcheyenne.com for the Ritchey family.
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