Frances "Laverne" Richter

FRANCES "LAVERNE" STRICKLAND RICHTER
September 26, 1935 ~ January 31, 2018

On January 31, 2018, the world lost a mother, sister, cousin, grandma GG, great-grandma GG, great-great-grandma GG and a friend. Frances "Laverne" Strickland Richter passed away peacefully in the evening of the super blue moon, with a Kentucky song in her heart.
Laverne lived a full life. She was a Kentucky native and also a military wife traveling with her family and settling in Vancouver, WA, making the Pacific Northwest her home for the last fifty plus decades. She raised 5 children and worked as a retail clerk for many years including working at the Vancouver Barrack's PX. She would get up early to be at work, no matter what. In her most recent years, she was surrounded in love by her kids, grandkids, great and great-great-grandkids. She also enjoyed an occasional trip to the casino.
Laverne was a feisty one and if she had something to say, she'd say it, always letting you know what she thought. She was made of equal parts sweet and spice, and no matter where you were or what you were doing, you knew that she was thinking of you. On any given Saturday or Sunday afternoon, she would be cheering on her favorite sports team, whether it be the Seahawks, Blazers, or Kentucky Wildcats, always with chips and salsa by her side.
She was preceded in death by her son, Jimmy; husband, Rick; parents, Robert and Wilma Houston Lucas; sister, Jean and brother-in law, Ralph East; brother, Harold Lucas; and her children's father, James Strickland. Her beloved dog Mitze passed away shortly after Laverne's death.
Laverne is survived by brother, Larry (Chris) Lucas; cousin, Orean Smith; children, Mike (Jan) Strickland, LaDonna Mason, Terry (Ruthie) Strickland, Cyndi (Tom) Roberts, Diana Rider (Morgan Boulette); grandchildren, Bryan (Brooke) Strickland, Kevin (Amy) Strickland, Kyle Strickland, Kadin (Reenie) Brooking, Karis Brooking (Cy Watkin), Jim (Debi) Watts, RaeAnna Neville, Jamin Roberts, Travis Rider (Kaela Stevens), Deandrea Rider (Brad Spring); great-grandchildren, Natalie and Lily Strickland, Price and Parker Brooking, Koen Watkin, Hailey (Aaron) Wilson, Alayna and Erik Neville, Nevahn, Gabriel, Addie, and Aiden Rider, Kenzie and Siah Stevens; great-great-grandchildren, Camden and Cadence Wilson; as well as various, cousins, nieces, nephews.

We will miss you dearly. We will miss your voice,
your laugh, your smile and especially your spice;
we will keep these memories deep in our hearts forever.
We won't forget how you always said, "I love you more".
We have heavy hearts but know that we'll see you again, so it's our turn to say goodbye for now and "We Love You More"!!

A private family gathering was held. Laverne's and Mitze's ashes will be spread at her happy place on the banks of the Columbia River.
Please sign her guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits.