Gaye Louise Ritchie Obituary
Gaye was born on November 23rd, 1944 to Carl and Bessie Sculley. She was preceded in death by both parents, brother Jimmy Wiest and grandson Malik Mader. She is survived by her sister Carla Owens and brother Wayne Sculley.
Gaye and her husband, Lloyd Ray Adkins raised their three children Carl Ray Adkins, Cara Vickers, and Colleen Mowrey with love and devotion in West Chester, PA. After Lloyd's passing Gaye remarried to Gerald "Jerry" Thomas Ritchie, gaining step daughter Nina Ritchie.
When Gaye's children were young, the phrase "stay-at-home-mom" didn't exist. It was usual for women to stay home with the children while their husbands worked. But even by the standards of the era, Gaye was an exceptional wife and mother. She cared deeply for her family and friends. She did this not out of obligation, but because of who she was. And she did it with style. Our mother inspired us to always add style and beauty into all that we have done and will do. Ok and maybe a bit of sarcastic humor here and there too. But most of all our mother taught us we were magical, everything is within your power, and your power is within you.
She is survived by her children and their spouses: Carl Ray Adkins (Candy), Cara Vickers (Jeff), and Colleen Mowrey (Lance) and her grandchildren Courtney Cummings Cubbage (Eric), Caitlin Cummings, Christa Cummings, and Madelyn Mader.
She will be greatly missed by all who loved her.
For our mother, The Topazes Mystic The past echoes from the southern skies Ruled by Jupiter loved by Jove The star child of Sagittarius falls to earth. She grew wild as the wandering wild red rose Bare foot and free she dances with the wind. She grew stronger with each passing day Days of chasing rainbow and sweet lullaby's Days of laughter days of tears Filled with secrets and innocent dreams The fable tale she had yet to read With each turning page day dances with night Twain eternal tempering twilight Hallow is the moon waning to loves first kiss All sorts of young suitors came to call And within each of their hands lye a tariff Shinny coins gold and silver, tin and brass One by one tossing wishes in reflecting water But only one will touch the temperance heart Chills of passion fires of desires Perfection of blending fire and water Igniting the hearth that warms our home Iron skillet and green glass jars she sips her tea Centaur mother in her kitchen life Peering out the window to the little girl The little girl that once was me You are the melody to my life's song Bubble gum refrain we all sing along Sometimes a ballad or we dance a jig Cuddles for blues back when I was a kid Rhapsody reprise tutors the soul Encore after encore for the Topazes Mystic Iridescent rainbows splitters of light A carpet of stars that dazzles this life Sharp-witted and brass then tender and sweet Weaving her wisdom, we snuggle in deep A quilt of attics a mosaic of journeys I keep the recites of time well spent My heart full of love and a crown for my muse Drink up this life you got nothing to lose From girl to maiden mother to goddess.
