"Linda, Doug, Tom, Teri & Beth, Your mom was so special to all of us...I can still hear her chuckle...She was a kind and special mother to have raised all of you who carry on her special ways. Our family is thinking of you. Julie Underriner Wright & Family"
In loving memory of
Elizabeth Anne Richardson
January 30, 1932 - April 20, 2012
Elizabeth Ann "Bette" Richardson, 80, of Webster City, died Friday April 20, 2012 at the Van Diest Medical Center following a sudden illness. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 28 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, with Reverend Stephen Meyer officiating. The family will be present to receive friends and family prior to the mass. Burial will be at St. John's Cemetery in Emmetsburg, following the funeral mass and luncheon.
Visitation will be at the Foster Funeral and Cremation Center from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday, April 27 with recitation of the Rosary at 6:45 followed by a scripture service at 7:00 p.m.
Elizabeth Ann Deneen, daughter of John and Viola Lohnes Deneen, was born January 30, 1932 at Emmetsburg. She graduated from St. Mary's Academy in Emmetsburg in 1949. She attended Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls and received a teaching certificate. On June 15, 1955 she married Martin Sterling "Todd" Richardson at Emmetsburg. The couple resided in Webster City and raised five children. Mr. Richardson died October 18, 1992. Bette taught kindergarten at the Hilltop Elementary School and was a substitute teacher in the Webster City Community Schools for several years. She also worked at the Hamilton County Unemployment Office and for 20 years as a deputy in the Hamilton County Treasurer's Office.
Bette was a kind, compassionate, loving mother and grandmother. Her easygoing nature and creativity made her a very special person to all who loved her. She loved nature, gardening and reading. Bette was gifted in creating crafts and home decorating. She always had a new home project in the works with ideas and a paintbrush in hand.
Ms. Richardson is survived by five children and spouses, Linda (Dean) Clasen of Humboldt; Doug (Michelle) Richardson of Norwalk; Thomas (Ronda) Richardson of Blairsburg; Teri (Ric) McClemons of Tuscon, AZ; and Beth (Jeff) Vaage of Grimes. She is also survived by nine grandchildren, Evan and Deanna Clasen; Katie and Molly Richardson; Kalli Richardson; Ian and Rachel McClemons; Erin and Andrea Vaage; sister, Patricia Underriner of Littleton, CO; sister-in-law Pauline Richardson of Webster City and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her spouse, she was preceded in death by her parents; brother-in-law, Dr. Paul Underriner and niece, Kathy Underriner.
She was a long time member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given on her behalf to the Iowa Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society or the Disabled American Veterans Association.
Write a personal tribute or light a virtual candle for the Richardson family at www.fosterfuneralandcremation.com.
Tributes
"I was very sad to hear of your mom's passing, she was always very good to me and was great Hy-Vee customer , my thoughts are with you Linda and your family. "
"May God's grace touch all in her family and may her memory be blessed. May good memories be with Beth, Jeff, Erin and Andrea, wonderful people all. Peace and love to you all. "
"Just to let you know, that our thoughts and prayers go out to the Richardson family. May you have lots of wonderful memories to help you through this difficult time. Our synpathy is with you all. "
"I am very sorry to hear about Bette's passing. Your Mom always treated me very well and made me feel welcome in your family. I enjoyed the time your family and I had together . May you all have many great memories of your Mom's life on earth and feel confident that she is feeling the glory of heaven now. Sincerely, Dean Wright, Clear Lake "
"Linda, Doug, Tom, Terry & Beth; The most comforting thing that was said to me when our mom passed was; Your mother's love lives on in her wise words, in the ways she shaped who you are, in the beautiful memories that will always bless your heart. Sending love and hugs your way, Cousin, Jane"
"Teri and all the Richardson family, we were saddened to hear of your mother's death. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as celebrate her life and mourn her loss. Donna & Charlie Wendt"
"Just a note of sympathy to the Richardson family. Your mom was a very special person. May your memories make it easier for all of you."
"Linda, Dean and family,
We are sadden to hear of your mother's sudden death. She was a great lady. It is so terribly hard to let go of our loved ones. We are thinking of you during this sad time."
"Sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. I remember Bette as a kind, friendly and energic individual. You are in my thoughts and prayers. "
"I was very sorry to see that Bette has passed away. You have my sympathies and I know the great loss you must feel as I did when my mom, Betty Andrew, passed away - it seemed so suddenly. All of the Walnut Street old folks are rapidly disappearing. I remember from when I was little getting to help your mother wash the dishes after a birthday party and I broke one of her cups. I was scared to death and she was so kind and forgiving. She was greatful for the help and the cup didn't matter. It did to me. She was such a gracious and loving person. She will be greatly missed. Donna (Andrew) Larson"
"Deepest sympathies on the passing of your mother. Seems like forever ago you guys lived across the street and we would play together as kids on Boone Street. Know that others are thinking of you at this difficult time."