Linda Ritchey

Linda Fabian Ritchey, 73, of Chapin, passed away on May 17, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and selflessness that will not soon be forgotten. Linda was born in Richmond, Virginia on February 2, 1950 and attended Bishop England High School in Charleston, South Carolina.

After graduation, Linda began a notable career in the retail and wholesale industries that spanned five decades. She eventually became the proud owner of six hotel gift shops in the Myrtle Beach area, where her friendly smile and impeccable customer service made an indelible mark on countless visitors to the Grand Strand.  Most recently, Linda had worked at Making it Personal in Newberry, SC.

Though Linda was dedicated to her work, she never lost sight of what was truly important in life. Growing up on the coast instilled in her a deep love of the beach and all its beauty. For Linda, sitting by the ocean's edge, listening to the gentle lapping waves and feeling the sand between her toes was a moment of true peace and solace. It was in these moments that she felt closest to God and most connected to humanity.

Linda was an active member at Surfside United Methodist Church in Surfside Beach since 2007. As project leader of Operation Christmas Child and co-chair of Jason's House - a mission that served cancer-stricken children - she brought joy to those who needed it most. Linda had an unwavering dedication to serving others; her passion for helping people persisted even as she battled against sex trafficking as part of Horry County's Task Force for Sex Trafficking Prevention.

Linda is survived by her sons, Robert M. (Sondra) Bowers III and Christopher T. Bowers; two beautiful grandchildren, Ashlyn Bowers and Griff Bowers; her sister, Kathryn Cavallone; her brother, Stan (Marla) Fabian; nieces, Carol (Brent) Dellinger, Kim (Tim) Parker, Lauren (Ryan) Levesque and Kristen (Jeff) Layman; half sisters, Allison (John) Little and Anne Lum; her uncle, Paul (Roxanne) Lonski; her aunt, Mary Grace Rhodes; several great nieces and nephews, several cousins, many friends, and her beloved fluffy child, Desiree.

Linda was predeceased by her loving mother, Carol F. Dowdy and an aunt, Judy Martin.

Memorial Services will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, May 20, 2023 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church of Pomaria by the Reverend Arden Hallman.  The family will receive friends following the service.

Those who wish to make memorials in honor of Linda may make them to Jason's House, 800 13th Ave N, Surfside Beach, SC 29575, the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 42040, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-3000, or the Horry County Task Force for Sex Trafficking Prevention, 2560 North Main Street, Suite 7, Conway, SC 29526.

Linda's absence will be felt profoundly by her family, friends, and the wider community. Her loss is immeasurable but her legacy will undoubtedly live on in those who were fortunate enough to cross paths with her over the years.