16 February 2000

Doris Louise Richards was born in Geneva to Fred Merrill and Irene Anderson Merrill on Dec.10, 1927. She passed away at Bryan LGH East Hospital in Lincoln on Feb. 7, 2000, at the age of 72 years, 1 month and 27 days. She was baptized at an early age and was a 59 year member of the Geneva United Methodist Church.

She attended Geneva Public Schools and graduated with the Class of 1945. She was married to Dean Richards Oct. 3, 1948, in the Geneva United Methodist Church. They made their home on a farm near Geneva in Momence Township which they later purchased. This marriage was blessed with two sons, Blaine Fredrick on May 24, 1950 and Rodger Dean on Aug.12, 1952.

Doris' s first foremost love was her family. She was especially proud and happy with the births of her grandchildren. She truly enjoyed watching their physical growth, but also the blossoming of their individual talents. She was raised as a town-girl but with her deep love for Dean was eager and willing to follow him to the farm. It did not take long for her to make the transition from life in town to that of a country wife, devoted to family and the farm. She tirelessly assisted Dean with all aspects of work on the farm.

She was a charter member of the Geneva Community Grange No.403, a 50-year member of the Order of Eastern Star No.180 and a past member of Rebecca's. Following her retirement she became a member of OK Kinsington.

Doris served as secretary to the Fillmore County Department of Roads from December, 1980 until February 1996. She enjoyed her work and was a dedicated employee.

One of her greatest losses in life was the untimely death of her husband Dean. His death left a great void and loneliness for the remainder of her life. Her pleasant smile and cheery personality always carefully masked her pain on the inside. Seldom would one ever meet Doris, without seeing a big wave or smile. In 1985, she moved from her country home to her current residence in Geneva. Her home was always open to family and friends and she took much pleasure in having them stop by.

She was a good Christian woman with a strong faith, which enabled her to move forward in life. She enjoyed reading, collecting meaningful poems and sayings and will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Irene Merrill; her siblings, Charles and Lois Merrill; in-laws, Cecil and Donna Richards; and by her husband Dean. She leaves to mourn her death, son Blaine and wife Rachel, grandsons Brian and Brent; son, Rodger and wife Annetta and granddaughter Jennifer and grandson Jeffery; sister Phyllis and husband Lawrence Traudt; nieces Lorene Culler and Lois Norder; brother-in-law, Dale Richards and wife Virginia, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, Feb. 11, 2000, from the United Methodist Church in Geneva with Rev. Brian Kottas officiating. Susan Kleinschmidt accompanied Delwin Myers who sang "Precious Lord, Take My Hand" and "The Lord's Prayer". The congregational hymn was "How Great Thou Art."

Casket bearers were grandsons, Brian, Brent and Jeffery Richards and friends, Darrel Hughes, Claire Christiancy III, and Guy Brown.

Interment was in the Geneva Public Cemetery with the Farmer & So Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Memorials are directed to the family.

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Words are inadequate to express our deep appreciation for the many acts of kindness extended to us during our recent loss. It is impossible to thank each one personally but we will never forget your love and care.

BLAINE, RACHEL, BRIAN AND BRENT,

RODGER, ANNET'TA, JENNIFER AND JEFFERY.