Harriet Ann (Penquite) Richardson died at her home in Hoxie, Kansas at the age of 81. She was born on May 22, 1938, in Atlantic, Iowa to Donald O. and Margaret Ruth (Jacobson) Penquite. She attended elementary and high school in Grinnell, Iowa, graduating with the honor of Salutatorian from Grinnell High School. She attended Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa for three years where she was a member of Pi Beta Phi. After college, she moved to Denver, Colorado and worked as a special events coordinator From Out Of The West, Inc. and was a stewardess for TWA. While working for TWA, she traveled extensively in Europe. Harriet was introduced to William “Bill” O. Richardson by one of his colleagues, and they were married on July 28, 1961 in Wheatridge, Colorado. They made their home in Hoxie, Kansas and had two sons, Mark and John. They were members of the Hoxie United Methodist Church.
Harriet was very active and involved in many organizations in Hoxie. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Order of Eastern Star, Cultus Club, Culture Club, And Hoxie, Quilters. Harriet loved history and wrote a book about the history of many of the rock structures in Sheridan County. She enjoyed going to auctions and garage sales searching for treasures. Bill and Harriet were avid bridge players, and she loved playing in and hosting their couples’ bridge club. Harriet was a very talented musician and for many years was the organist for the Hoxie United Methodist Church. She was also a member of the M&M’s, a musical group, which sang at many events in the area. The M&M’s entertained the residents of Ridgewood and Sheridan County Long Term Care at least once a month for many years; she was very proud of the M & M’s. Harriett was instrumental in helping form the Hoxie Preschool in the 70’s. She and Bill were always very generous and helped advance Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas which has greatly benefited not only their sons, Mark and John, but also many others in the area.
Harriet is survived by her sons, Mark and John Richardson of Hoxie, Kansas; brother, Thomas Penquite; and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, William “Bill” Richardson, December 30, 1999; parents, Donald and Margaret Penquite; and sister, Susan Penquite.
A Graveside Service will be held Friday, May 15, 2020, Hoxie City Cemetery, 1:30 P.M. All friends and family are invited to attend. Visitation will be Friday, May 15, 2020 from 9:00 A.M. until Noon at the Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, Hoxie, Kansas. Memorials are suggested to the Developmental Service of Northwest Kansas-Hoxie and Hoxie United Methodist Church and may be sent in care of Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, PO Box 987, Hoxie, Kansas 67740. Words of comfort may be left at www.mickeyleopoldfuneral.com