Dorothy Richardson went to join the Lord and countless family and friends in Heaven on Jan. 12, 2022. She was born in Washington, Iowa, on April 3, 1935, the oldest of four, raised with her sister Janice and brothers Frank and Don.

After graduating as valedictorian from Washington High School, she attended nursing school at Mercy School of Nursing in Iowa City, Iowa, graduating in 1956. She began her career as a registered nurse in the Midwest, working in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Davenport, Iowa. Tired of the cold Iowa winters, she moved to Houston, Texas, in 1959 to join her sister Janice and friends, working in the Texas Medical Center at St. Luke’s Hospital. It was there that she met her loving husband, George, married, and started a family.

Dorothy spent much of her life helping others, either as a registered nurse in hospitals, as a school nurse in Fort Stockton ISD, or as a church and community volunteer. She was a true servant of God, always helping those in need. She was a strong Catholic woman, deeply devoted to her faith. Dorothy was selfless, faithful, strong willed, and smart. She was kind and caring of others, generous, and deeply loved her family, friends, and animals.

Before moving to College Station, Texas, two years ago, she was a well-known community member in her adopted hometown of Fort Stockton. While certainly still an Iowa girl, Dorothy loved the West Texas desert climate, and excelled as a gardener. She and George spent many hours together outside, playing golf or just sitting in the backyard enjoying the desert air or entertaining friends and family, as they often did.

She was an avid reader, and loved to travel with her friends, making great memories from many trips overseas and in the continental U.S. Fall football and NASCAR were her favorites to watch, and she could tell you anything about either of those sports.

Dorothy cherished spending time with family and friends. She excelled at making everyone feel welcome and comfortable in her home, and always made certain that guests had everything they needed during their stay. Her immaculate home always smelled of something wonderful cooking, and no guest ever left that house on West Callaghan hungry.

Dorothy was a strong, fiercely independent woman whose grace touched countless lives. Her wonderful laugh and strong opinions will be missed, along with her generous nature both for those she knew, and people she’d never met. Her devotion to God was an example for all.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Annette and Hank Roraback of College Station; son David Richardson of Fort Stockton, son and daughter-in-law Dan and Debbie Richardson of Abilene, Texas; her beloved grandchildren Whitney Richardson Bosselman, Ginna and Eric Hughes, Chris and Meghan Roraback, David and Ali Roraback, Abby Vanderplough, Ryan and Lindsey Roraback, Logan Richardson, Hannah Richardson; and great-grandchildren Alanna and Aiden Bosselmann, and Madison and Evan Hughes.

Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. with a Rosary service beginning at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022, at Hillier of College Station located at 4080 State Highway 6. The Funeral Mass will begin at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2022 at Saint Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church located at 2541 Earl Rudder Freeway in College Station. Burial will follow later that afternoon in the Waelder Cemetery, Gonzales County, Texas.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents Frank and Loretta Kos; her great grandson Christopher Kenneth Bosselman; and her loving husband George Richardson.

While the family would certainly appreciate the gesture, in lieu of flowers, they ask that you please consider donating to your local animal shelter or food bank, Hospice Brazos Valley, Fort Stockton Public Library, MD Anderson Hospital, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, or the Alzheimer’s Association in her memory.