Obituary

Christie Irene Mills-Ritchey
November 19, 1977 - August 5, 2021
Christie Irene Mills-Ritchey, 43, of Mansfield, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Thursday, August 5, 2021.

The daughter of James Mills II and Joyce (Davis) Hall, Christie was born on November 19, 1977 in Mansfield, Ohio. Talented, full of love, had a heart of gold, Christie always saw the good in others. She never met a stranger and could light up a room with her spark. Nana was a cherished role that Christie held in life, and one she greatly loved and found much joy in. Christie knew sign language and did it for the singing at church. She wrote poetry, and loved to collect retro items, Elvis and Marilyn Monroe memorabilia.

Christie is survived by her husband, Ralph Ritchey; her children, Elizabeth Fissel and Jordan Fissel; her granddaughter, Arabella; her step daughters, Alicia (Tommy Phillips) Ritchey and Rebecca (Nik Mann) Ritchey; her step son, Seth Ritchey; her step granddaughter, Aera Phillips; her brother, Christopher (Kathy) Mills; her mother and step father, Joyce and William Hall; and numerous step brothers, step sisters, and many cousins. She was preceded in death by her father, James Mills II; grandmother, Lucile Irene Davis; her uncle, Dan Davis; and numerous nieces and nephews in Kentucky.

Christie’s family will welcome guests from 5:00-7:00 pm on Wednesday, August 11, 2021 at the Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 98 S. Diamond Street. Funeral service will begin at 1:00 pm on Thursday, August 12, 2021 at the funeral home with Pastor Matthew Pond officiating services. She will be laid to rest at Mansfield Memorial Park.

“SERENITY” written by Christie Mills

My heart is filled with peace right now and forever more, my light is shining brighter than it ever has before.

You give me words of wisdom and guide me through my strife, you helped me through my trials and gave me back my life.

You’ve shown me how to live my life, and I know you know what’s best.

You said to call upon your name and you would give me rest.

You know that I am tired, and I know I’ve let you down, but I also know this is my chance to turn it all around.

I’m placing all my faith in you, my life I will now give, you gave yours up for me just so I could live.

Thank you, Lord for showing mercy and giving me your love, and I’ll patiently wait to see you in your paradise up above.

“CALM SURRENDER” written by Christie Mills

As I lay and I dream of a still, I dream of a sunrise as I sit on a hill.

This hill is so high you can see everywhere, I’m not one certain place I’m neither here nor there.

As I look to the sky and I pray up above, the clouds open it’s arms to send me a dove.

I’ve never felt such peace flow all through me, as this beautiful bird flew over the sea.

There is water for miles and land as far as the eye can see, and beautiful creatures in every tree.

Each breath I take is sweet it has to be fake, I’ve never felt such peace, please don’t let me wake!

Now I hear a voice real loud yet I’m not scared, I try to look around buy my vision is impaired.

I hear “It’s not your time you will be back real soon, you are my daughter I’ve prepared you a room”.

You still have work to do but I promise you this, I’ll carry you there with my heavenly bliss.

Now wake up my child and be of good cheer, I’ll see you again I’ll meet you right here!

“FOOTPRINTS” written by Christie Mills to her precious babies!

You are the meaning to my life in each and every way,

Each moment that I share with you gets me through the day.

I know that God had blessed me when he brought you in my life,

I wish we didn’t have to go through all the struggles and the strifes.

I know that we will be okay if we just hold each others hand,

And one day we will walk beside the “footprints in the sand.”

Hold on to your dreams of life and never let them go,

You may fall down but get back up and take it kind of slow.

We will get through I promise you through all that’s thick and thin,

And when it’s all said and don’t you’ll be the one to grin.

One day I hope you’ll listen and try to understand,

But if you don’t it will be explained by the “footprints in the sand.”