Ellen Louisa Richter, 91, passed away on November 2, 2022, at Aster Estates in Great Bend, Kansas. She was born November 18, 1930, in Great Bend, to Charles C. and Gertrude (Hemken) Dirks.
Ellen was raised on a farm in rural Albert, Kansas. She attended Otis High School in Otis, Kansas where she met Melvin Richter. They were married a few months after her graduation on July 27, 1948. Ellen was a lifetime member of Peace Lutheran Church, where she participated in many activities throughout the years, especially singing in the choir. In 1961, Ellen and Melvin purchased the franchise for Tom’s Foods and worked together selling candy and chips in and around Great Bend until their retirement in 1998. She also worked in the office at Doonan Truck & Equipment.
Ellen loved her family and enjoyed supporting their interests, driving to music rehearsals and lessons, and attending concerts and other school activities. She was a proud drum corps mom, following the Argonne Rebels to many contests and performances. Her grandchildren loved spending holidays, spring breaks and summer vacations with her. Ellen taught them all to drive….. fast! and always sent them home with “samples” of the latest candy. She and Melvin introduced their grandkids and great-grandkids to the fun of fireworks, hosting family July 4th celebrations each year.
Ellen is survived by her husband of 74 years, Melvin Richter of Great Bend; two sons and a daughter, Don Richter and Cindy Cummins; Lynn Richter; and Linda Richter; five grandchildren, Trev, Anne, Josh, Allison and Matt; six great-grandchildren, Ember, Henry, Ollie, Meredith, Terry and Sagan; and her brother Delmer Dirks. She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Raymond and Clarence Dirks; and son-in-law, John Allain.
Visitation will take place from 1:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 6, 2022, at Bryant Fuenral Home, with the family receiving guests from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. and a prayer service at 5:00 p.m. Funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 7, 2022, at Peace Lutheran Church in rural Albert with internment following in the church cemetery.
Memorials have been designated to Peace Lutheran Church, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.