Julia Ellen Gray Ritchie

Julia Ellen Gray Ritchie died August 27, 2019 in Coppell, Texas. She was born on May 31, 1927 in Hardy, Ark. She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Ralph E. Ritchie. They lived in North Little Rock, Ark., for 55 years where they raised their two children, Thomas Matthew Ritchie, now deceased and Ellen Gail Ritchie Diers. She was a member of Lakewood United Methodist Church in North Little Rock. While a member there she was very active in United Methodist Women. She also helped co-found as acted as assistant director for the Mother's Day Out program that became the present-day pre-school. Judy was a teacher and loved her first graders. Watching a child realize the wonder of reading and the universe of knowledge it opened to them was always her favorite thing. Judy is survived by her daughter Ellen Ritchie Diers and son-on law, Bob of Coppell, Texas; grandson Robert Clayton Diers and wife, Meredith; of Portland, Ore., and grandson, Wesley Ritchie Diers, of Columbia, S. C. As well as numerous nieces and nephews. Services are at Oxford Glen Memory Care Community in Carrollton, Texas on September 6th at 11 a.m. Arrangements are being handled by Gateway Funeral and Cremation, 17390 Preston Road, Dallas Texas. Online condolences may be made to: www.GatewayFC.com.