Family and loved ones of a Tulsa woman who tragically lost her life in January gathered to honor her memory.
Cassidy Ritchie was discovered deceased in her vehicle along Highway 412 just a week ago.
Approximately 100 individuals assembled on Sunday to pay tribute to Ritchie, adorned in her beloved hues of pink and purple.
Following the ceremony, a balloon release ceremony was conducted in remembrance of her.
The focus of the gathering was on commemorating Ritchie’s life, highlighting her passions such as relishing snacks, beverages, and exchanging anecdotes.
Described as witty, intelligent, and the life of the party, Ritchie’s loved ones reminisced about her endearing qualities.
“We aim to shift the focus away from the tragic events surrounding her passing,” expressed Joey David, Ritchie’s son. “Our objective is to celebrate her essence, her accomplishments, and that’s precisely what we did. It was a conscious effort to embrace positivity and shun negativity.”
Ritchie’s husband is currently detained on a $5 million bond, facing allegations of her murder.
In their quest for justice, Ritchie’s family advocates for raising awareness about domestic violence to prevent similar tragedies.
“This incident should serve as a lasting memory,” remarked David. “By keeping her legacy alive, sharing her narrative, we aim to ensure she is not just another statistic but remembered as Cassidy Ritchie – a remarkable individual, a devoted mother, a shining example of humanity.”
The prevailing sentiment among her kin is that Ritchie would urge them to forge ahead, cherishing life and spreading love.
“I am committed to upholding my mother’s legacy and story,” affirmed David. “While we may eventually return to our routines, as my grandmother wisely said, ‘we must persevere.’ My mother wouldn’t want us to stagnate; she would want us to thrive, to pursue our aspirations.”
David extends a challenge to all to express their appreciation for their loved ones openly.
“In every family, there may exist unresolved conflicts,” shared David. “It’s a common scenario. I implore everyone to address this, as individuals may be silently battling their own struggles. Reach out, seek help – there’s always someone willing to listen and support you, regardless of the circumstances.”
Additionally, domestic violence support advocates were present at the gathering, offering insights into recognizing signs of abuse within relationships and guiding individuals towards available resources.