Emma Lee Ritchie, a resident of Mesquite, TX, passed away on May 1, 2020, at the age of 86. She was born June 21, 1933, in Dallas, TX, to Cicero and Abbey Lee Branch and grew up in the South Dallas area near City Park. She attended Crozier Tech High School in downtown Dallas. Later, she went on to work at Sanger-Harris in the 1950’s and 60’s. Emma met her husband, Jimmy Ritchie, through a co-worker and the two were married September 25, 1964 in Pleasant Grove, TX. They moved to Mesquite and lived there for 55 years. Emma and her husband Jimmy were very caring and loved to minister to others. They often picked out flowers and wreaths for family members who had passed away and placed them on their graves. They also bought Christmas gifts for their daughter’s employer (Hatfield and Company) and would place them under the company Christmas tree to share with the employees. Emma had a very giving spirit. She was a member of Peace Church in Mesquite, TX, and was a prayer warrior. Emma enjoyed shopping and was very social. She never met a stranger and touched the lives of many people. Emma found joy in caring for her grandchildren and deeply loved her family, but most of all, loved the Lord.
She is survived by her husband: Jimmy Travis Ritchie of Mesquite, TX; daughters: Linda Diane Enriquez of Balch Springs, TX, and Phyllis and husband Mark Cash of Fate, TX; grandchildren: Tracy Gonzales and husband Edward of Forney, TX, Heather Huddleston and husband Cody of Fate, TX, Holly Elizabeth Kirby and husband Kirk of Fate, TX, Hailey Michelle Murphy and husband Ray of Gun Barrel City, TX, Joshua Martin Gonzales of Mesquite, TX, Mark Cash, Jr. and wife Samantha of Wills Point, TX, Connor Isaac Cash and wife Breanne of Canton, TX; 17 great grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by sisters: Mary Cox and Goldie Branch; brothers: Durell Branch and Donald Branch; and her parents.
Private services will be held for those invited by family. Masks are required for those that attend.
