Erica Gasper-Ritchie (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Erica Gasper-Ritchie was born October 16, 1985 to Sandra and Thomas Gasper in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. From childhood, Erica was the type of person who truly knew who she was and shone the light of herself strongly, with confidence and humor. Erica was empathetic, spirited, and highly intelligent from a young age. Always one to show kindness, Erica was the kind of child to befriend the lonely kids in class. Erica was whip smart, and could make you laugh in an instant. In school, she had a knack for math classes and organization, keeping excellent grades. Guided by a thirst for understanding the universe, Erica was a lifelong learner of all she could about astrology and other new age methods of understanding. Erica felt a connection to the universe and sought understanding and balance. Never one to be deterred by adversity, Erica had an innate understanding that the universe often has plans bigger than we can see or understand. Erica was a lover of the arts and culture, and had a broad taste in literature, music, and movies. She understood how the arts spread empathy and kindness, and shared her love of music with all of those around her, broadening the tastes of those lucky enough to spend time with her. Erica showed true empathy, often feeling the pain and joy of those she loved. She loved her family fiercely, and welcomed her friends into her chosen family with open arms. Erica was a dependable light in the darkness to her friends, who always remembered their favorite things and legitimately never missed a birthday text or an “I love you”. She was truly the kind of person to light up a room. Wherever she was, that was the place to have fun. Of all of the many connections, achievements, and gifts Erica brought to the world, she was most proud of her three beautiful children, Molly, Brayden and Shelby. She held all of her children with unconditional positive regard, and found joy in the beautiful people they grew into. Erica passed at the age of 40 on April 8, 2026 in Lebanon, Missouri. She is survived by her mother, Sandra Ford Gasper, her brother Thomas Gasper and his family, her sister Jean Reeder and family, her sister Megan Dixon, her children Molly Clark, Brayden Ritchie, and Shelby Ritchie, as well as numerous friends and family. She will be dearly missed. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
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