Arlene Marie Richardson

Arlene Marie Richardson, 84, of Aurora, passed away on July 2, 2013. Visitation will be Sunday, July 7, 2013 from 12-4pm, Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 11150 East Dartmouth Avenue, Aurora. Graveside Service will be Monday, July 8, 2013 at 1pm, Sedgwick Cemetery. Arlene's parents hailed from the state of Nebraska. Her father, Lee Andrew Richardson, was born in Hastings, Nebraska. Her mother, Gwendolyn Ella Peyton, was born in Gordon, Nebraska. However, Sedgwick, Colorado was the location and setting for this couple to meet, court, marry and raise six daughters, Nomia Ella, Arlene Marie, Wilma Lee, Elaine Gwendolyn, Charlene Eloise and Maxine Alice. Arlene was the second oldest daughter, born on August 6, 1928, just before the beginning of the Great Depression. Her parents were farmers in Sedgwick. When asked about her recollections of her growing up years and the depression she said, ""Life was hard but I never felt deprived."" Although unfortunate events happened to the family, she said her parents worked hard to provide what they needed and they enjoyed the company of friends and family. Arlene had fond memories of her father and always affectionately called him ""Daddy."" When he became ill in 1940 the family moved to town. After her father (Lee) passed away in 1943, her mother (Gwen) started working in the Sedgwick School lunchroom as a cook. Arlene attended Sedgwick County Grade School and Sedgwick County High School where she made life-long friends. When reminiscing about her school days, she fondly spoke of childhood activities and the very special high school graduation celebration that her mother provided for her and her best friends in 1946. After high school, Arlene went on to earn her business degree from Central Business College in Denver, Colorado. Her classes consisted primarily of secretarial, office machine, and bookkeeping courses and prepared her for the vocation and jobs she held during her working years. Arlene worked primarily in the insurance industry as a Policy Rater and Typist. Through the years, she was employed by Farmers Insurance Company, Colorado Federal Savings, Continental Insurance Company, Phoenix Insurance Company and Travelers Insurance Company. She received many accolades and her work was rated ""excellent"" by several insurance agents. She retired from Travelers at age 62 after 22 years of service with them. She also moonlighted as a family housekeeper for many years and worked for Russell Stover Candies. Russell Stover was a ""fun job"" and their chocolates remained her favorite candy. She could even tell you what flavor each piece of candy was just by looking at the chocolate swirl on the top on the top. Cathy and Barbara (Arlene's daughters) always had the most amazing Easter Baskets. Arlene met David Ralph Pray in one of the insurance offices where she worked. They were married on August 15, 1948 and made their home in Denver, Colorado. They had two daughters together: Cathy Lynn Pray (Hughes) and Barbara Ellen Pray (Allen). They separated when Barbara was young and divorced in 1959. Although Arlene's daughters did not live with her after the divorce, she made the time they spent together both fun and educational. They visited parks and museums, took part in local community events and concerts and went on several trips together… fond memories! Her daughters also enjoyed the food Arlene made. She was a fantastic cook and introduced her daughters to several dishes that are still favorites and always remind them of her. Arlene was blessed with six grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. Allen Grandchildren are: Suni Marie Snyder, Tahlia Michelle Nelson, Megan Janelle Allen, Jeremy Michael Allen and Bethany Anne Allen. Her Hughes Grandchild is: Michael Jason Hughes. Great Grandchildren are: Dominic Steven & Ashley Nicole Snyder; Brittany Michelle & MaKinzie Rose Nelson; Beckett Jude & Hazel Prudence Allen; and Astra Brooke & Rainy Jane Hughes. In 1961, Arlene received the Lord at Billy Graham Crusade and was later baptized into Him. ""For by grace you have been saved through faith: and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast."" Ephesians 2:8;9 She became an active and long-term church member of Calvary Temple in Denver, Colorado. Through the years, many of her activities revolved around opportunities to serve, minister, and fellowship with other believers. Arlene also enjoyed politics and was good at discussing political issues especially in light of Biblical truth. Arlene loved to travel and visited abroad as well as throughout the continental United States. During her later years her travels were limited to the many sight-seeing day trips she took with her friends. Arlene was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in the last decade of her life. For most of those years she remained at home in Denver living independently and continued with her activities as much as her health allowed. Her health declined after having shingles in 2010 and suffering a stroke in 2012. Her final years were spent near Iowa family. They enjoyed having her nearby and the opportunity to build a closer relationship with her. Arlene fought the good fight, finished the course, and kept the faith. (2 Timothy 4:7) Her story is a small part if HIS bigger story. Blessed be the name of the Lord! ""Christ in you the hope of glory."" Colossians 1:27 ""But let all who take refuge in You be glad, Let them ever sing for joy; And may You shelter them, That those who love Your name may exult in You"" Psalm 5:11 Please share your memories of Arlene and condolences with her family by signing the Guestbook.