Doris Elsie Richardson

Doris Elsie Richardson of Vernon, Arizona, died in the early morning hours of Sunday, February 7, 2009 from complications of Alzheimer's Disease. She was 87 years old. Doris was born on January 30, 1923 in Denver, Colorado in Denver County, to the late Edgar F. and Helen Beatrice Church. She received her education from the Colorado state school system and graduated from high school. As a young woman, Doris worked as a waitress for Colorado's Petroleum Club. She then began a long and successfull career in the credit union industry. Working many years at Colorado's School District #50 Credit Union in Westminster, Colorado, she quickly became a familiar and friendly face. Doris loved twirling the baton. When she was just 14 years old she became a Baton Twirling Champion; a title she held for the next 12 consecutive years. With her baton twirling experience came her love for parades. She thoroughly enjoyed marching in any, and all, parades. Doris also enjoyed dancing and was able to "cut a rug" up until the last few years. She enjoyed spending her quiet time doing needlepoint. Until the last few years, Doris enjoyed swimming and was very active with water aerobics. She also bred chow dogs. She bred and raised her chow, Tom Tom, who later became the Chow Breed Grand Champion. Doris was an active member of the Emblem Club of The Benevolent & Protective Order of Elk (B.P.O.E.) in both Westminster, CO and Show Low, Arizona. She has lived in Arizona the past 8 years and will be missed by, not only her family, but by her friends and community as well. She is survived by her 3 daughters: Barbara Johnston (Reeves) of Illinois, Linda Giadone (Alvey Pettit) of Vernon, Arizona, Donna Wright of Peyton, Colorado; grandchildren: Tammy Riggs of Illinois, Tye Avery of Colorado, Kimberly Kennedy of Colorado Springs, Colorado, David Wright of Callahan, Colorado; 2 step-granddaughters: Melissa Reeves of South Carolina and Jodi Pfeffer of South Carolina. Doris is also survived by her 11 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by: her 1/2 brother, Dick Church; and by her husband, Gerald "Jerry" Richardson in July of 2004. A memorial service for Doris will begin 2:00 P.M., Saturday, February 20, 2010 at the Faith Fellowship in Concho, Arizona, where Pastor Kenneth Latrell will officiate. Memorial contributions in Doris' name to the Alzheimer's Association, 225 Grove Avenue, ste. B, Prescott, Arizona 86301, have been suggested by her family.