Luanne Ruth Titley Richie

Luanne Ruth Titley Richie, (82 years old), a lifelong resident and 3rd generation Coloradoan passed away in Phoenix, AZ on March 28, 2017. Known as Mama Lu to those who knew her, she spent her last years living near family in Phoenix. She was born on January 26, 1935 in Denver, and spent her life loving Denver and the mountains that rose above the city. Graduating from East High School in 1953, Luanne went on to college at the University of Colorado Boulder where she was an active member of the Delta Gamma sorority as well as a member of the Mortar Board. She graduated from CU, and later earned a masters degree in Business Administration at the University of Denver. She married George Waddell Richie in June of 1956. They had a family and established a great life in Denver. Luanne taught school before a career as the Victim Compensation Administrator for the Denver District Attorney's Office where she retired at the age of 62. The Denver Women's Press Club was a joy for Luanne where she served as President and spent years helping the Club grow and succeed in Denver. Luanne lovingly raised 3 children in Denver and enjoyed spending summers in Grand Lake, CO. Luanne's family has deep roots in Grand Lake and she was proud to pass that on to her own family through many active years at the Grand Lake Yacht Club. Luanne was pre-deceased by her daughter Catherine, at the age of 3 months; as well as her brother, Ron, in 1965; and her parents, Luther Titley and Ruth Spencer Titley. Most sadly for her was the early passing of her husband, George, at the age of 48 in 1982. Luanne enjoyed many years of retirement traveling to AZ to visit family. Sedona and Tucson were favorite spots for her. She particularly loved the chapel in Sedona, AZ. She also visited Tucson to see her much loved and respected brother Dr. Spencer Titley and his wife Helen. If she wasn't in Denver or Arizona, it was off to Maine to visit lifelong friends and her son. Her favorite spot was a bench at Reid State Park watching the ocean. To understand Lu was to know her deep seeded love of the Denver Broncos and Republican politics. Nothing got in the way of watching and cheering on the Broncos or the chance to discuss the political issue of the day. Anyone who knew her would agree that if Mama Lu had an opinion, regardless of the subject you were clear on where she stood. If you were on her email list, you'd read daily of what she thought of an election, a public policy, aging or maybe she'd just share her thoughts on a recent Denver Broncos trade. A clever wordsmith, Mama Lu was known for her opinionated articles and letters to editors, corporations and politicians written and published over the years. Rarely did a day go by that Lu didn't read a novel, newspaper or enjoy a crossword puzzle. And never would you find her without a hand held solitaire game! Luanne is survived by her three children: Julie Richie, Julie's two children Anna and George Murkowicz; Todd Richie, and his wife Roselle and their two children, Anthony and George Richie; and son, Spencer Richie; as well as her brother, Spencer Titley, and his wife Helen; sister-in law, Sandra Pickering; and 9 nieces and nephews and their children. On behalf of the family of Luanne, we would like to thank all those who participated in and added to her great life. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: The Denver Women's Press Club 1325 Logan Street Denver, CO 80203 A service will be held at a later time in Denver when the family and friends can gather. Please view a younger picture of Luanne below.