Harriett F. Boehner

Harriett Frances Boehner 99, of Greeley, passed away on February 2, 2017, at Grace Pointe Assisted Living Center in Greeley. Harriett was born January 30, 1918 in Oswego, Kansas to Schuyler Colfax Richardson and Lena (Barrett) Richardson.

Harriett was raised in Oswego. Growing up on a farm, she was indoctrinated into hard work at an early age, milking cattle, feeding animals and so on. This sense of responsibility took root early. During her entire first eight years of school she never missed a day or was tardy. She was an excellent student and ultimately graduated from Kansas State University in Home Economics and Nutrition.

After graduation, Harriett taught at first Highland Park High School in Topeka, Kansas and then at Abilene High School in Abilene, Kansas. Harriett was very outgoing and made friends easily. Among her new found friends was the mother of Ike Eisenhower, “The Supreme Allied Commander” in Europe at that time.

While she was at Kansas State University, Harriett met Ralph Arthur Boehner, her future husband. After Ralph returned from World War II, they married at her parents’ home in Oswego, Kansas on June 14, 1946. She taught one year at Stratton, Colorado immediately after the marriage, but then spent eight years doing her best to raise three boys as a full time housewife.

During her life she taught high school for over 32 years, the majority of those at Keenesburg and Weld Central High Schools until she retired in 1982. She prided herself on helping her students get good jobs both from what they learned, but also through her contacts in the community. She loved teaching and could remember almost all of her students by name and recollection even until the last. She had an infectious sense of humor that could keep everyone laughing. Harriett and Ralph enjoyed dancing for many years.

Harriett celebrated her 99th Birthday last weekend surrounded by her family including her two surviving sons and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband, Ralph of Greeley, three sons, Richard (Mathene) Zionsville, Indiana, Pam (Kent) Boehner of Greeley, as well as Dale of Greeley. Grandchildren, Christina Juarez, Heather Williams, Eric Boehner, Michael Boehner, Michelle Hoff ,Leslie Percival, Leanne Jones, Ryan Boehner, Katherine Boehner; 10 great-grandchildren; and one brother, Allen Richardson; in addition to numerous nephews and nieces.

She was preceded in death by her son Kent Alan Boehner, her parents, brothers Garland Richardson, Sam Richardson, Cordell Richardson, as well as sisters Ruth Maxson, Ollie Bradley, Mildred Richardson.

Harriett enjoyed life to the fullest. Her biggest joy in recent years was having the entire family around, especially the grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 4 until 8 PM Thursday, February 9 at Stoddard Funeral Home. Interment at Sunset Memorial Gardens at 10 AM Friday, February 10, 2017. A Celebration of Life will follow at 11 AM on Friday, February 10 at First United Methodist Church, Greeley, Colorado.