Crystal Ritchie

From a young age, Crystal was a true example of what it means to be a fighter and an overcomer. She faced numerous trials, tribulations, and tests of faith, all which helped shape her into the strong-willed woman with drive and determination everyone knew and loved. Crystal powered through co-parenting with Brandon Delaney, raising their beautiful daughter, Kelsey. She will forever be remembered for her strong nature, will power, and ability to overcome any challenge life threw her way, including many medical and physical hardships. Her family will continue to live by her favorite Scripture, Jeremiah 29:11: “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.’” Crystal’s Papaw Monson’s mantra, “Always Keep the Faith,” and her mother-daughter expression, “Believe,” were phrases that empowered her purpose and will continue to empower her family.

Crystal was a graduate of Paul Lawrence Dunbar High School and received her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from State College of Florida in December of 2010. Crystal was recognized as an amazing and compassionate nurse at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, receiving awards and certifications. Her dream was to become a trauma and flight nurse, and even with her debilitating back disability, her goal was to recover and return to work to fulfill this passion.

Her childhood church home was Southland Christian Church in Lexington, Kentucky. After moving to Florida, she made Bayside Community Church her church home.

Crystal had many titles and roles in life, but she was first and foremost an incredible and loving role model to her daughter, Kelsey. They enjoyed spending evenings together watching movies, planning and taking numerous memorable trips, riding around town listening to their favorite songs, and together giving endless love to their household “zoo” of pets. Crystal spent endless hours pruning and transplanting her beautiful garden of orchids, volunteering her time at the orchid gardens, and transforming her home into a garden refuge. Each new orchid bloom brought her so much joy. During her times of solitude, she also found refuge in music. Crystal was a kind-hearted, compassionate person who saw the good in everyone, and this will forever be one of her greatest assets.

She is survived by her daughter, Kelsey Nicole Ritchie; her loving parents, David and Barbara Ritchie; her sister, Angela Dawn Rissler; her brother-in-law, Jonathan Rissler; their two daughters and her only nieces, Avery and Alexis Rissler; and her two favorite “Unc’s,” Lane and Richard Monson. Crystal will forever be loved by her extended family and numerous friends.

She is preceded in death by her grandparents Helen Jo and Eugene Monson and Ruth Marie and George Ritchie, and her uncle, David Monson.

We may no longer see her with our eyes, but we will feel her in our hearts forever … JICYEW

Together Forever, Never Apart, maybe in distance but Never in Heart … Kelsey

A Celebration of Life memorial service is planned for January 19th, 2019 at Southland Christian Church in her hometown of Lexington, Kentucky. Visitation will be held from 11-2pm followed by a service led by Brewster McLeod at 2pm.