Dorothy Lenore Richter

Dorothy Lenore Richter, 92, of Fort Collins passed peacefully at home with her family beside her and tulips blooming outside her window.

Dorothy was born September 17, 1924, in Fort Morgan, Colorado, to Estella Leonard-Ward and Carl Ward. At nine months her mother died and her father left for the Navy. She was raised until age seven by loving paternal grandparents and "Mama" Della. The following two years she was moved to California and Texas where conditions were difficult. As this little girl, Dorothy promised herself that one day she would have her own loving family. She kept that promise.

Uncle John and Aunt Maud Leonard brought her to Adena, then Wiggins, Colorado, where she learned to ride a horse named Shorty three miles to school.

Life got instantly better at age 13, when Dorothy saw Dale Richter, 14, getting off a school bus at Wiggins Junior High School. Dorothy thought, "I'm going to marry this guy". Dale winked at her and soon they began dancing during school lunch. They married on August 30, 1942, after Dorothy graduated from Wiggins High School and Dale was a sophomore at Colorado A&M (CSU today). They made their home in Ft. Collins while Dale continued his studies in Civil Engineering.

Dale was soon drafted into the Army Air Corps during WWII. The next summer Estelle was born while Dale was in Officer Training School. Between wars, Linda was born. After the Korean War, Rick was born and the family bought their first of several farms with Dale's parents. Dorothy loved being a mom and made the home for her family that she only dreamt of as a young child.

Dorothy and Dale lead the Fossil Creek 4-H Club as well as served on local and state boards and committees for over 15 years.

The Fossil Creek Community Club brought families together over Box Dinners and card parties and life-long friends danced at the Safari.

Lessons were learned on how to be a young housewife in her Columbine Extension Club. Then the good friends stayed together for over 60 years.

Dorothy volunteered in the special education program at Tavelli Elementary School, Poudre Valley Hospital in Fort Collins, and later twenty-five years at the Longmont Hospital. She also served as an officer on the State Hospital Auxiliary Board.

They traveled to all the U.S. states and many foreign countries. Happy hours were enjoyed at their cabin on the Poudre River. Family and friends gatherings were Dorothy's favorites; the coffee pot was always full, cookie jar filled, and laughter prevailed.

After 70 years of marriage and 75 years together, Dorothy lost Dale in 2012. She was able to stay in her home with help from family and loving caregivers. Her days were filled with playing cards, rides, and Family Feud.

Our beloved Mom and Grandma was a woman with a big heart, a compassion for others, and a spark for life. She is missed intensely and forever.

She is survived by her three children; Estelle Thaller (Marvin) of Hugo, Linda Richter (Bob Manuel) of Fort Collins, and Rick Richter (Julie) of Fort Collins; 8 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and a great-great grandchild on the way. She is also survived by brother-in-laws Frank Richter (Betty) and Ed Farmington, nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to give special thanks to the community of people who helped Mom have good days at home.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, April 28, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. at Drake Road Christian Church at 608 East Drake Road.
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Memorial donations may be made to Seniors Helping Seniors, Pathway Hospice, Children's Reality, Alzheimer's Association, or a charity of your choice in care of Bohlender Funeral Chapel, 121 W. Olive, Ft. Collins, CO 80524.