Opal Dancy Ritchie

Obituary: Opal Dancy Ritchie, 87, of Kannapolis passed away December 30, 2011 at the Lutheran Home ‘Trinity Oaks' in Salisbury, NC.Mrs. Ritchie was born January 24, 1924 in Wilkes Co. NC. She was the daughter of the late Com Dancy and the late Mary Dancy. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Lex Ivey Ritchie who died in December of 1978.Mrs. Ritchie was a lifelong resident of Kannapolis, though she considered herself a "Mountain Gal" to the end. Mrs. Ritchie worked in the Sheet Department at Cannon Mills. She was an active member for over 50 years with West Point Baptist in Kannapolis, helping with the youth of the church and as a Sunday School teacher. Mrs. Ritchie loved to work in her garden and enjoyed canning food. She loved her family and neighbors and felt that there was always room for one more at her table.Survivors include her 2 daughters: Brenda Martin and fiancée (prospect as Mrs. Ritchie addressed him) Dennis Laughlin both of Salisbury and Mary Harkey and husband Tommy of Albemarle; grandchildren, Douglas (Doug) Martin and wife, Marsha and sons Joshua and Caleb Martin all of Rockwell; step-granddaughter, Gloria ‘Renee' Martin of Salisbury and step-great granddaughter Angela Martin Starnes both of Salisbury.A Memorial Service for Mrs. Ritchie will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Jan. 6th at West Point Baptist Church conducted by Rev. Blair Bridle. The family will receive friends at the church from 10-11:00 before the service.Memorials can be made to: West Point Baptist Church, 1100 Pine Street, Kannapolis, NC 28081-4104 or to: Lutheran Home at Trinity Oaks (the activity department) 820 Klumac Road, Salisbury, NC 28144Online condolences can be left at: www.whitleysfuneralhome.com
Visitation: From 10-11 a.m., Friday Jan. 6, 2012.

Service: 11 a.m., Friday January 6th at West Point Bapt. Church.

Interment: Private