Elsie M. Richardson

Elsie M. Ricker Richardson, 92 of Keokuk, IA died Friday, July 13, 2018 at River Hills Village in Keokuk. She was born May 19, 1926 the daughter of Leonard and Beulah Wilsey Ricker in Des Moines, IA. On June 23, 1946 she was united in marriage to Bennie L. Richardson. He preceded her in death on July 25, 1999. Elsie graduated from Keokuk Senior High School with the class of 1944. In her early years she worked for Meadow Gold Dairy on 10th and Main Street in Keokuk. After her marriage she was a stay at home mom throughout her children's high school and college years. She then worked together with her husband at Artistic Cleaners until their retirement in 1991. A faith-filled woman, Elsie was member of the New Testament Christian Church and was active in bible studies and small groups. She was an avid Keokuk Chiefs and Iowa Hawkeye's sports fan. She was proud that her husband and she were awarded the lifetime award for faithful attendance to the Keokuk High School sporting events. Elise enjoyed any and all activities her grandchildren or great grandchildren were involved in. On July 2nd she was thrilled to be able to attend her great granddaughter's softball game against Ft. Madison High School. Elsie is survived by one daughter, Debbie (Tony) Sheffler of Buford, GA, one son, Tom (Cathy) Richardson of Keokuk, three grandchildren, Stephanie (Eric) Craig of Keokuk, Kelli Sheffler of Alpharetta, GA and Joel (Becca) Richardson of Cypress, TX, six great grandchildren, Brenna, Gracie, Cassidy and Nathan Koeber of Keokuk, and Lydia and Ruth Richardson of Cypress, TX, along with her sister in law, Geneal Ricker and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Besides her husband she was also preceded in death by her parents, two grandchildren, three brothers, Ronald, Bob and Joe Ricker and three sisters, Mary Helen, Betty and Barb Ricker. Funeral services were held 10:30 a.m. July 19th at the Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk. Burial was in the Keokuk National Cemetery. Visitation was held after 1 p.m. July 18th with the family meeting with friends from 6 – 8 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider memorial remembrances to the New Testament Christian Church or to the Keokuk High School Sports Boosters.