Dorothy Richeson

Dorothy Jean Richeson, lovingly known as Dottie, passed away peacefully at her home on July 30, 2026. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished sister, treasured grandmother, and proud great-grandmother whose kindness, quiet strength, and unwavering love touched everyone fortunate enough to know her. Born on March 1, 1936, in Hardin, Montana, to Dale Nelson Redmond and Lillian Heloise Grant, Dottie lived a life rooted in faith, compassion, and selfless service. Her life reflected genuine kindness, unwavering faith, and an enduring commitment to the people she loved. On October 21, 1954, she married her beloved husband, James, beginning a marriage that would span 70 years and be marked by steadfast devotion, enduring love, and a lifetime of cherished memories. In 1968, Dottie and Jim moved their young family to Dallas, Texas, where they became faithful members of Dallas First Assembly. What began as serving coffee and donuts on Sunday mornings became a ministry that lasted 47 years. Lovingly known by many as "The Donut Lady," Dottie faithfully welcomed generations of church members with a warm smile and servant's heart. She also sang in the church choir, frequently shared her gift of music through solos, and joyfully helped organize countless baby and bridal showers alongside dear friends from her church family. Dottie believed that serving God was not something reserved for Sundays - it was the foundation of her life. She was faithful in prayer and often reminded her family that she prayed for each of them every night. She demonstrated Christ's love through quiet acts of service, unwavering encouragement, and a life that consistently put others before herself. Whether someone needed a listening ear, a prayer, or a helping hand, Dottie was there without hesitation. She was also a dedicated professional, working for 15 years with ARCO Oil & Gas before spending 17 years with Booziotis & Company Architects. She approached every responsibility with integrity, diligence, and a servant's heart, earning the respect of coworkers and friends alike. Music and the arts filled Dottie's heart and home. She loved worshipping through song and believed music was one of God's greatest gifts. She instilled that same love of music, worship, and the arts in her children and grandchildren, creating a legacy that continues through each generation. Nothing brought Dottie greater joy than her family. Saturday night sleepovers with Mamaw & Papaw became treasured traditions for her grandchildren. Those evenings often included grocery shopping, where macaroni and cheese and M&M's became the perfect dinner, followed by The Lawrence Welk Show and America's Most Wanted - because apparently polka music and fugitives were the perfect way to end a Saturday night with your grandparents. Sunday mornings began with Dottie making sure that her grandchildren were in matching and coordinating outfits before taking them to church, where they helped her serve coffee & donuts before the service began. Those simple moments became lifelong memories that her grandchildren will cherish forever. Every Christmas morning, family gathered at Dottie and Jim's home for breakfast, where the annual honor of pouring the milk into Mamaw’s gravy also meant trying to survive her play-by-play instructions of, "You're pouring too fast...now too slow...okay, that's enough!" Dottie and Jim also shared a love of travel and were blessed to explore Ireland, Austria, Italy, France, England, Germany, and Switzerland together, embracing each new adventure while creating treasured memories along the way. Her servant's heart extended beyond her church and family. She faithfully participated in the National Multiple Sclerosis Society's Walk MS each year, often surrounded by her children and grandchildren as they walked together in support of a cause that was important to their family. She enjoyed British comedies and, in more recent years, treasured the simple joy of spending time with her beloved sister, Carol, and her faithful dog, Romy watching the Australian veterinarians of Bondi Vet. In 2016, Dottie and Jim moved to Missouri to live with Carol. During the years that followed, Carol lovingly and selflessly cared for both until the very end. Her extraordinary devotion and servant's heart are a true reflection of Christ's love, and Dottie's children and grandchildren will be forever grateful for the compassion, dignity, and love she gave so freely. Dottie was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 70 years, James Richeson; her parents, Dale and Lillian Redmond; and her brothers, Gerald Redmond, Ellis Redmond, Donald Redmond, and Dale Redmond. She is survived by her beloved sister, Carol Sellers; her loving daughters, Janet Richeson and Susan Richeson; her five adored grandchildren, Erin (Lance) Wilson, Ryan (Daniela) Dempsey, Alex (Scott) Moore, Jessie Mayeux, and James Cunningham; her ten cherished great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly. To know Dottie was to know unconditional love, unwavering faith, and quiet strength. She never sought recognition for the countless ways she served others; she simply lived each day honoring God by loving people well. Her legacy is woven into the lives of her family, her church, and all who were blessed to know her. While her family will miss her deeply, they rejoice in the promise that she has been reunited with Jim and is now in the presence of her Savior, hearing the words she faithfully lived her life to receive: "Well done, good and faithful servant." 

There will be a memorial service Saturday August 8, 2026, 2 p.m. at Temple Baptist Church 1813 Barron Rd. Poplar Bluff, MO 63901.