Velma Maude Richter

Velma Moffitt Richter, passed away on Monday, March 20, 2006 in Bolivar, MO, celebrating 98 years of faithful devotion to her family, friends, church, and community. She was born Velma Maude to Levi V. and Mattie Laura Higginbotham Moffitt on October 17, 1907 near Bolivar. She attended a rural elementary school and was raised in the Pleasant Hill Church. She was blessed with the gift of salvation as a teenager, and kept a faith that sustained her until the end of her life. She graduated from Bolivar High School and from Southwest Baptist College (now University). After five years of teaching in Polk County rural schools, Velma changed careers and became a hairdresser in Bolivar. She purchased her own salon and enjoyed 15 years of "making all the ladies beautiful". On July 20, 1936, Velma married Nevelle Richter. The love of a lifetime, Velma and Ric enjoyed the blessings of nearly 68 years together through life's highs and lows. During his years of service in the U.S.Army in the early 1940's, Velma drove herself to every stateside post to which Ric was assigned: North Carolina, Florida, New York, and Kansas. Velma and Ric were also blessed by the births of two sons, John Kent and Robert Kris. Even in the very last days of her life, Velma bragged of her good fortune of having two "sweet" boys". Along with their families, Kent and Kris remained her greatest pride and joy. Velma opened another hair salon in the 1950's and again enjoyed a career, this time while balancing the responsibilities of her family. She cherished spending time with her sons as a Cub Scout Den Mother, a Boy Scout supporter, a room mother, and an adoring fan of countless little league baseball games. She also enjoyed playing bridge with her women friends and in organizing the "Life Begins at 70 Club" for elderly single women of Bolivar. For several years Velma hosted teas and holiday dinner for the ladies. She often enlisted Ric, Kent and Kris to transport the guests. Velma's hospitality was truly a family activity. Velma was also an active member of the Daughters of American Colonists and the Daughters of the American Revolution. In 1967, Velma and Ric retired and spent many memorable summers at their Pomme de Terre lake home, fishing and enjoying the solitude of life together. She was a faithful member of the Salem Missionary Baptist Church at the time of her death. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Nevelle in April 2004, a sister Dorothy in 1995 and an infant sister Willa Mae. Survivors include her two sons and their wives, Kent & Sharon Richter of Lebanon, MO; and Kris & Pamela Richter of Rogersville, MO. Also 7 grandchildren, Amy Jackson and husband Greg of Pleasant Hill, MO; Allison Potter and husband Martin of Phillipsburg, MO; Marissa Bendixen and husband Scott of Overland Park, KS; Joe Trebbe and wife Stephanie of Springfield, MO; Ben Freeman and wife Alissa of Tulsa, OK; Stacy Freeman of the state of Colorado and Falon Kluesner of Springfield, MO. Also 9 great grandchildren, Lauren Potter, Alex Jackson, Reed Potter, Gillian Bendixen, Dustin Trebbe, Blake Trebbe, Benjamin Freeman, Luke Freeman and Khyanne Kluesner. A sister-in-law, Mary Richter of Stockton, MO; nephew, Scott Richter and wife Cathy of Stockton, MO; 2 nieces, Vicki Johnson and husband Bruce of Springfield, MO; Cathy Kier and husband Chuck of Lansing, MI. Also numerous cousins, great nieces & nephews, other relatives and many friends. "Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord, that they may rest from their labors and their works do follow them", (Revelation 14:13) May God be praised for the life that was Velma Richter's and that she is now resting from her labors. The world is a better place for her having left her mark here. Though we mourn her passing we rejoice for a life well lived. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 25, 2006 at 10:00 A.M. in the Butler Funeral Home Chapel in Bolivar with Elder Donald Lane and Elder Ron Erven officiating. Singing will be by Lance Roweton, Amy Jackson and Allison Potter with Rose Roweton as the pianist. Songs will be "In The Sweet Bye & Bye" and "Amazing Grace". Burial will be in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery east of Bolivar under the direction of the Butler Funeral Home of Bolivar. Casketbearers will be:Matt Ruyle, Jason Ruyle, Scott Bendixen, Greg Jackson, Martin Potter, Ben Freeman, Joe Trebbe and Bruce Johnson. A eulogy will be given by Marissa Bendixen. Visitation will be held on Friday, March 24, 2006 from 7-8 PM in the Butler Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to the Polk County Senior Center % Butler Funeral Home, P.O. Box 11, Bolivar, MO 65613. Friends may sign the guest book or send private condolences at www.butlerfuneralhome.com PDF Printable Version

Velma Maude Richter

October 17, 1907 - March 20, 2006