Dorothy Helen Richards

Dorothy Helen Richards passed away Friday, April 4, 2014, at the Sheridan County Health Complex in Hoxie, Kansas at the age of 90. She was born October 29, 1923, to Claude and Maude (Hite) Bell in rural Sheridan County, Kansas. Dorothy attended school in Sheridan County. She was united in marriage to Harold Richards on January 9, 1942. They were blessed with three children, Larry, Linda and Terry. They were later divorced. Dorothy was a hardworking and independent woman. She worked as a waitress while her husband was in the service. She helped on the farm and became an expert wallpaper hanger even selling it door to door. Dorothy was not afraid to tackle anything. Many days the family would come home to discover she had taken out a wall or remodeled the bathroom by herself. They never knew what surprise they would find. Later she worked at the Sheridan County Health Complex in housekeeping for 21 years and retired in the early 80’s. Following her retirement, Dorothy worked as a private care Senior Companion. Dorothy liked to write and wrote a story that was published in the book Sod Houses and the Dirty Thirties. Dorothy enjoyed life. She loved to travel and took several tours. She was an avid card player and hosted many parties. Some of her favorite card games were Pitch, Rummy, Pinochle, Slap Jack, and Crazy Eights. Dorothy also loved puzzles and was called the “Puzzle Queen” by her family. Those who knew Dorothy would describe her as a sassy, witty, funny, in-charge, on-time, independent, get-it-done person. The residents of Ridgewood Manor designated her the “unofficial” Director of Activities. The love of her life was her family. She so enjoyed the visits from all her grandchildren. You could often find Dorothy on the floor playing with them, and on occasion, outside playing kickball with them. Dorothy is survived by her sons, Larry Richards and wife Twyla of Hoxie, and Terry Richards of Hoxie; daughter, Linda Tanner of Loveland, CO; brothers, Verlin Bell of McPherson, KS and Gene Bell and wife Suzy of College Station, TX.; six grandchildren, Teresa Quakenbush, Brenda Morton, Debra Dible, Kyle Tanner, Kerri Tanner and Kimberly Boeger; 23 great-grandchildren; and 19 great-great grandchildren. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, Claude and Maude Bell; brothers, Robert Bell, Harold Dee Bell, Vernon Bell and Albert Bell; infant sister, Clara Marie Bell; sister, Leona Cummings; grandson, Brent Tanner; and an infant great-great grandchild, Landon Fringer. Dorothy was happiest taking care of others. She always said, “Your home is what you make of it”. Although she will be greatly missed by those who love her, her memory and life lessons will live on in their hearts forever. Reception: Hoxie United Methodist Church