Maryan Joyce Richter

Maryan Joyce Richter, 81, of Basehor, Kansas, passed away on Sunday, November 9, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and family.

Born on October 4, 1944, to Louis and Erma May Spruiell in Tahoka, Texas. Joyce's early days began in the cotton fields of West Texas. This is where her strong foundation in family, faith, and service would be instilled and define her life's journey. She graduated from Abernathy High School, Abernathy, Texas, in 1963 and continued her academic journey, earning a bachelor's degree in education from Bethany Nazarene College in Bethany, Oklahoma.

Upon graduating, Joyce moved to Kansas City, Kansas, where she would mold young minds at Welborn Elementary School. Her classroom was a place of warmth, encouragement, and discovery, shaping the lives of countless students. Later she would embrace her most cherished role: dedicating herself to raising her own beloved family. Once her three children were grown, she returned to the workplace, contributing in a variety of capacities at Mid-America Nazarene University in Olathe, Kansas.

Joyce's unwavering faith could be seen by all who came to know her as a lifelong member of the Church of the Nazarene and devoted follower of Christ. She joyfully shared her musical gifts for years as a dedicated member of the church choir. Beyond her commitment to her faith, Joyce's creative spirit found expression in a variety of hobbies. She took great pride in the cultivation of her garden and home, as her kitchen was a constant source of comforting meals for family and friends. Yet, it was in the laughter and boundless energy of her ten grandchildren that Joyce found her greatest joy.

Her unwavering love and devotion created a legacy of cherished memories that will forever enrich the lives of her beloved husband of 55 years, Leo Richter, who continues to reside at their family home, her three devoted children, Eric Richter and his wife, Alexis, of Olathe, Kansas; Kevin Richter and his wife, Nicole, also of Olathe, Kansas; and Lori Hansen and her husband, Rhett, of Burke, Virginia, and her ten beloved grandchildren: Tristan, Ean, Ryker, Lena, Royce, Leora, Linley, Micaiah, Azariah, and Briella. Her memory will be cherished by her sisters, Peggy Spruiell of Plainview, Texas, Beverly Roberts of Maumelle, Arkansas, her niece Heather Sheesley and family of Maumelle, Arkansas, and countless extended family members.

Friends and loved ones are warmly invited to honor Joyce's life and legacy. A visitation will be held from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM and funeral services will follow at 1:00 PM, both on Monday, November 17th, at the Bonner Springs Nazarene Church, 742 N. Nettleton, Bonner Springs, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers the family asks donations be made in memory of Joyce Richter to Holistic Child Development through Nazarene Compassionate Ministries

https://give.ncm.org/category/global-programs/holistic-child-development/124395