Dorothy Richardson

Dorothy Carroll Richardson lived her life in a way which caused all who met her to think: I sure hope I'm that sharp, that witty, that active when I'm half her age. After 98 years, Dorothy - or Tutu to her family and friends - passed away Tuesday morning, September 1st. 2015. Her uncanny sense of humor kept us all in stitches, even in her difficult final days.

Dorothy was born in Hutchinson, Kansas on December 31st 1916, the only child of Effie May Clements and Everett Watson Carroll. She fondly cited her childhood as a time of being both doted on and taught the value of a dollar. Following her 1937 graduation from Wichita's Wesley Hospital Nurses Training School, Dorothy worked as an RN, eventually becoming head nurse of Baptist Burn Center (1969-1983) in Oklahoma City. Tutu continued to work and volunteer at Baptist until last month. "I love my little job" was an oft-heard refrain.

Dorothy married Claude Virgil Richardson on April 8th, 1939. Following Virgil's return from Navy service in WWII, the couple welcomed sons Dan and Ted in 1946 and 1948 and daughter Christie in 1950. Tutu outlived just about everyone. She endured the losses of her two younger children, Ted Richardson and Christie Harvey and a grandson, Jason, with the kind of grace only she could summon. Survivors include: son Dan Richardson, nieces Bette Tindel and Kay Chaffin; grandchildren Steve Bingenheimer, Ryan Richardson, James Richardson, Christy Richardson, Will Richardson; great-grandchildren Parker and Carli Bingenheimer; and extended family and dear, dear friends too numerous to mention.

Friends and family may visit Hahn-Cook/Street & Draper Funeral Home at 6600 Broadway Extension on Thursday, September 3rd from noon until 8pm. Services will be held at Crossings Community Chapel on Friday, September 4th at 10am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Nursing Fund at Baptist Hospital or the Salvation Army.