Mrs. Christine Botnen Richardson

COLUMBIA - Christine Botnen Richardson, widow of William King Richardson, Sr., 96, died Saturday, May 9, 2009. Born on Fox Island, Washington, she was the daughter of the late Hans and Minnie Botnen. Christine was a bookkeeper in the shipyards of Olympia, WA, during World War II, when she met William, a member of the 82nd Airborne Division. They married after the war and raised a family in Columbia. Of strong Christian faith, Christine was selfless, kind and tenderhearted to all and loved taking care of her family. She was a member of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, and later St. Martins-in-the-Field Episcopal Church. The family would like to express their gratitude to the caregivers at the Benzie T. Rice Home, where Christine resided in recent years, and to the Lutheran Hospice. Surviving are her children Henry Warren (Dianne) Richardson of Columbia, Christina Richardson (Randall) Wilhoit of Titusville, FL, Mary Richardson (Oscie) Brown of Columbia, and Ella Walton Richardson of Charleston; fourteen grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; brothers Melvin Botnen, Herman Botnen, both of WA; sisters Hazel B. Vernon, Marie B. Henderson, both of WA. She was predeceased by her son William King Richardson, Jr.; grandson William King Richardson, III; two brothers Henry Botnen and Leonard Botnen; and sister Margaret B. Barks. The family will receive friends Saturday, May 16, 2009 from 6 until 8 p.m. at Dunbar Funeral Home, 3926 Devine Street. A funeral service will be held Sunday, May 17, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Martins-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church, with burial following in Greenlawn Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to St. Martins-in-the-Field Episcopal Church, 5220 Clemson Road, Columbia, SC 29206; the Benzie T. Rice Home, 100 Finley Road, Columbia, SC 29203; and the Lutheran Hospice, 1505 Blanding Street Columbia, SC 29201.