Deborah Ritchie Lunsford

Mrs. Deborah Mae Ritchie Lunsford, age 72, of Rhodhiss departed this life to her heavenly home on August 2, 2026, at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.

Deborah was born on July 1, 1954, in Catawba County to the late Bob Ritchie and Margaret Lail Ritchie. Deborah was a loving mother of two, whose kindness and warmth touched everyone she met. She enjoyed spending time camping, working on puzzles, and sharing laughter with those around her. Deborah always had a joke to tell and had a remarkable gift to make everyone feel welcome, never meeting a stranger. Her compassionate heart, joyful spirit, and genuine love for others will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew her.

In addition to her mother and father, Deborah is preceded in death by her husband; James Ray Lunsford Sr., and her brother; Stevie Ritchie.

Those left to cherish the memory of Deborah are her two sons; Jim Lunsford and significant other Brian of Supply, NC, and Barry Lunsford of the home; siblings; Sharon Lunsford and husband David of Hickory, Bobby Ritchie of Conover, Marty Capps of Granite Falls, Brian Capps of Granite Falls, Shannon Capps of Granite Falls, and Chuck Ritchie and wife Renita of Connelly Springs. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews.

A Memorial service to celebrate Deborah's life will be held on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at 2:00 PM in the Chapel of Mackie Funeral Service with Rev. Dan Greene officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 1 PM to 2 PM at Mackie Funeral Service in Granite Falls.

In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Catawba County at 3224 20th Ave SE, Hickory, NC 28602.

An online guestbook and obituary is available at www.mackiefh.com.

Mackie Funeral Service & Cremations of Grantie Falls is serving the Lunsford family.