Katherine Ann Richert

RICHMOND, Ind. – Katherine Ann Richert, age 94, of Richmond, Indiana, died Saturday, February 17, 2018, at Reid Health. Katherine was born on December 8, 1923, in Spencer, Iowa, to Spencer Ray and Edna Fritz Cox. She adored her seven brothers and sisters, and was known to say that while growing up she enjoyed a “good home, lots of friends, and a loving God” who looked after her. Katherine graduated from Ames High School in 1941 and attended York United Brethren College. Katherine married Paul Richert on October 5, 1947, and they lived near Gresham, Nebraska, where they were Grade “A” dairy farmers as they started their family. In 1954, they moved to Richmond to purchase a Used Furniture and Auction Business located at 16th and Main Street. In 1964, they moved the auction house to 700 Sim Hodgin Parkway, the current home of the Richmond Furniture Outlet. The entire Richert family grew up working in the family auction business. Katherine was a devoted mother and was extremely involved in her children’s upbringing. After raising her family, she completed her degree at IU East at age 66 and proudly served as president of the AAUW, American Association of University Women. Katherine said that her faith had guided her throughout the years. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church for 50 years, and then was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Katherine had been a Sunday school teacher, Secretary of Church Council, and had served on various church committees and the choir. She enjoyed volunteering within the community. Katherine served as Secretary and Vice-President on the Wernle Board of Directors. She was an active member of the Richmond Senior Community Center and IN1289 TOPS, where she had served as leader and secretary. Katherine was an RSVP volunteer, Area 9 Agency volunteer, and an Honorary member of the Richmond Noon Kiwanis Club. She enjoyed reading to children as Mrs. Claus during the Historic Richmond Depot District’s Old-Fashioned Community Christmas Festival. Survivors include her husband of 70 years, Paul Richert; six children who were her proudest achievement, Alvin (Cathy) Richert of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Mary Kay (John Newcome) Richert of Safety Harbor, Florida, Robert (Janis) Richert of Tucson, Arizona, Lyle (Pamela) Richert of Lafayette, Indiana, Roger (Theresa) Richert of Losantville, Indiana, and Michael (Vickie) Richert of Williamsburg, Indiana; 16 grandchildren, Tay Richert of Colorado Springs, David (Rochelle) of Colorado Springs, Brittany Newcome of Safety Harbor, Justin Richert of Tucson, Anita Richert of College Station, Texas, Robyn Thvedt of Boston, Massachusetts, Bryan Thvedt of Tucson, Shae (Evan) Zimmerman of West Point, Indiana, Brock Richert of Lafayette, Natalie (Michael) Ripperger of Richmond, Laura (Shawn) Houston of Noblesville, Indiana, Brandon (Bonnie) Shelton of Hagerstown, Indiana, Jessica Richert of Losantville, Joshua Richert of Richmond, Rachel Richert of Williamsburg, and Megan Newcome of New York, New York; 13 great-grandchildren, Cole, Bailey, Brecken, Brea, Geneva, Aubrey, Sophie, Violet, Hazel, Brody, Brock, Kameron, and Beatrice Rose; brother, Richard “Dick” (Bertie) Cox of Fort Myers, Florida; nieces; nephews; and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents. Visitation for Katherine Ann Richert will be from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, February 22, 2018, at Doan & Mills Funeral Home, 790 National Road West, Richmond. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, February 23, 2018, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 121 South 18th Street, Richmond, with Rev. Robert C. Meckley officiating. Burial will be in Earlham Cemetery in the Veteran’s Field of Honor. Memorial contributions may be made to: St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 121 South 18th Street, Richmond, IN 47374. Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.

Katherine Ann Richert

December 8, 1923 - February 17, 2018