Anna Mae (Schmidt) Richers
December 9, 1936 - June 9, 2019
Ann was born in Utica, New York, the middle child of Frieda (Curtis) and George E. Schmidt, joining her older brother W. Edward and later by her younger sister, Nancy. Ann’s name was a combination of her maternal and paternal grandmothers – Anna Joanna Curtis and Jessie Mae Schmidt, though she preferred to be called Ann. If you think those names were interesting, her mother’s (Frieda) siblings were: Earl, Meryl, Pearl, Hilda, and Leo. She was baptized in the Lutheran faith at Holy Communion Church. At the age of 9, her parents moved to Alamo, Texas. They lived there for three years and then moved back to Utica. She was confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Utica. She graduated in 1954 from New York Mills High School and started working at the New York Telephone Company as a switchboard operator.
She met LeRoy Richers in 1955 and they were married in 1957. They moved to Colorado in June of 1958 where LeRoy’s family lived. They bought their home in 1961 in Northglenn and Ann lived there for 58 years. She developed wonderful relationships with her neighbors that continued throughout the years. LeRoy and Ann were Charter/Founding members of Gethsemane Lutheran Church in July of 1961. LeRoy passed away in 2001.
God chose Ann and LeRoy to be the parents of Ron in December 1965 and Tracey in August 1968. Ann was a loving, caring and devoted Mom, who made their house a home. She never missed an opportunity to watch her children shine. She was always supportive and so proud of her children and their families. Over the years, she became not only their Mom but to each a true friend. They are both so thankful that Ann was chosen to be their Mom.
Her faith was very important to her. She attended church regularly and both her children were baptized, confirmed and married at Gethsemane. Ron was married to Char in 1988 and Tracey was married to Eric in 2002.
She adored her five grandchildren and her two great-grandchildren dearly. She loved every hug from them, attending their activities and spending quality time with them.
Even though Ann and her sister, Nancy lived far apart they remained very close at heart. Anytime the two sisters were together there was an amazing show of friendship, love and deep affection. Lots of laughter was always heard and everyone knew they were truly enjoying each other’s company.
Ann was known as the “Avon Lady” in her neighborhood and also at Sears where she retired after 26 years of service. She loved to spend time on her large deck, planting flowers and hanging flower baskets. She loved sending the perfect and heartfelt card to someone on a special occasion. She had a special collection of decorations for each holiday and enjoyed spending hours setting up to display them. She was a wonderful cook and loved to host dinners for her family and friends. She also enjoyed going to celebrations hosted by the Richers’ at Easter, the Maruyama’s at Christmas and the Rupple’s at Thanksgiving. She never showed up at a function empty handed and was known for her famous cinnamon jell-o. She always looked forward to her outings and friendship with the Red Hatters. Traditions were very important to Ann, making and decorating cookies for Christmas, making mints for weddings, showers, and graduations and preparing taco salad for birthdays. These are just a few of the traditions she inspired that will be carried on now by her family. She collected salt-and-pepper shakers, owls, and beautiful artwork from her grandchildren. She was a dog lover and always had dogs. Her last dog, Sparky, was very dear to her.
She is survived by her son Ron Richers (Char), daughter Tracey Maruyama (Eric), grandchildren Justin Richers (Becky), Corey Richers (April), Dani Quintana (Quentin), twins Nick Maruyama and Kaeli Maruyama; great-grandchildren Brooke Richers and Mason Richers. Her sister, Nancy Salecki and family (Eric, Susan, Kathy, Kyle, and Cameron) and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.
She will be remembered as a very sincere and strong person who was kind and enriched the lives of so many. She ALWAYS stood at her door waving goodbye and blowing kisses until you were out of site. We know she is continuing that tradition in Heaven and waving to us until we see her again.
Fond memories of Anna and expressions of sympathy for her family may be shared using the guest book link below
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