Deborah Ann Ritchie, born on December 1, 1970, beloved wife and mother, died on October 24, 2023 surrounded by her family. Debbie is survived by her husband of 26 years, Eric Ritchie, her children Finnegan Ritchie, Molly Ritchie and Paige Ritchie. She is also survived by her mother Mary Ellen Sparks; uncle Dennis Harden; Aunt Mary Ann Sparks and Julia Pfannenstiehl, brother Doug, his wife Meg and their three boys Patrick, Shane and Kyle; sister Angela and her husband Chip Cooper and numerous friends and co-workers she cherished and shared some of her favorite memories and experiences. She was preceded in death by her father Frederick ("Rick") Sparks, Uncle John Sparks and Grandparents Clare and Stella Harden and Frederick and Eleanor Sparks.
Debbie graduated from Catholic Central High school in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1989. She then earned her Bachelor's degree in food systems economic management from Michigan State University in 1994. She worked 20 years for Kraft Foods in sales, after which she focused on the daily activities of her children. The last three years she was blessed to work in the office at Grand Traverse Area Catholic schools where she was able to be around her high school age children. She was passionate about the kids in the school and could see the beauty in each one of them. She had a childlike faith in God and inspired others to gratitude. She was known for upbeat, positive attitude and good will toward others.
A visitation will be held on Friday, October 27, 2023 from 4:30 – 7:00 pm, with rosary starting at 7:00 pm at St. Francis Church in Traverse City, Michigan. A Catholic Mass of burial for Debbie is scheduled for Saturday, October 28, 2023 at 12:45 PM at St. Francis Church in Traverse City, Michigan. The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools or Michael's Place in Debbie's honor.