Obituary of Drusilla Mae Richter

Drusilla Mae (Low) Morris Richter passed away at home on November 14, 2014, surrounded by her loving family. Dru was born at the family home in Bucoda, Washington, on October 10, 1927, the adored only child of Daniel M. and Maude (Smith) Low. Her maternal grandparents, Henry and Alberta Smith, moved to Bucoda from New Brunswick, Canada, in 1904. They owned and operated the Washington Hotel, a large, two-story building situated adjacent and to the east of the former IOOF building on Seventh Street. The hotel was primarily a boarding house for young men working in the mills. The building eventually went down in a strong windstorm but the stories and memories of that time were significant in Dru’s life. The Smith family and their descendants have had a continuous presence in Bucoda since their arrival in 1904. Dru attended grades 1- 8 in Bucoda, and then graduated from Centralia High School in 1945. Her parents, Dan and Maude, operated the Bucoda Hardware Store located on the ground floor of the former IOOF building on Main Street. As a child, Dru spent a lot of time there, sitting in the window seat, watching the trains, and seeing friends and neighbors who came to the store. In high school, she worked at the store, and was often seen sitting in the front window seat. She was spotted there one day by George Morris, who had started to deliver The Daily Chronicle to Bucoda, Tenino, and the surrounding area. George saw this redhead in the window seat and stopped to get acquainted! George and Dru were married May 3, 1946. They bought a home in Bucoda, across the street from where Dru was born, and raised their four children there. Dru was a homemaker during the time the children were small, sewing much of the kid’s clothing. She was PTA President, a Brownie leader, and was involved with all her kids’ activities. She didn’t enter the (paid) work force until 1966, when she started to work at Jefferson Lincoln grade school as a teacher’s aide. From there, she moved to Centralia High School (downtown), where she worked in the counseling center, and then was promoted to the Secretary to the Principal position, which she held until her retirement in 1990. In 1974, George passed away unexpectedly, leaving Dru a widow at 46 with her youngest children still at home. She was a very strong woman, with a strong, quiet faith, and managed to keep her feet on the ground and be there to comfort and support her kids during this time. She also received a lot of support from family and friends in the community. George was a Bucoda City Councilman at the time of his death, and Dru was appointed to fill his position and served out the remainder of his term. George and Dru were also early members of the Skookumchuck Mud Daubers Jeep Club #11. For several years, she wrote the monthly column for the Jeepnick News, getting many compliments from around the state for her humorous stories about her fellow jeepers. George and Dru were also one of the core group of families that built Bucoda Volunteer Park. On weekends and after work, the families would gather at the park area, the men working on constructing the buildings, the women busy with other chores, while at the same time watching the kids swim and getting dinner on the picnic tables. This was a special time for Dru’s family to be a part of this community endeavor. After 11 years on her own, Dru married Ray E. (Bud) Richter on November 23, 1985. There is an interesting story here: George and Bud were friends in grade school and high school, often hunting and fishing in and around Centralia. Bud originally had the paper motor route to Bucoda, but because of another job offer, George was able to pick up the route. To hear Bud tell the story, he used to see Dru in the window seat at the hardware store, but never went in to meet her. When George took over the route, he didn’t waste any time in making Dru’s acquaintance! Dru moved to Centralia after she and Bud were married, and became the “squirrel lady” of their outlying neighborhood. She and Bud both loved the wildlife, feeding the birds and native Douglas squirrels. Bud made lots of feeders over the years, and he is still tending them today. As a treat, Dru would ring a bell and set out a bucket of peanuts for the squirrels. If she didn’t get outside with the peanuts soon enough to suit them, they were right up at the back porch looking for her. Bud and Dru always had to be careful to close the back door because more than once the little devils would come right into the house. Once, one was perched on the back of the sofa, looking for his peanuts! Dru always had an eye for the birds, and was knowledgeable of the different varieties that stopped by for a bite. She enjoyed gardening, knitting and crocheting, working crossword puzzles, and reading. She always had a book in progress – sometimes reading two at the same time. Dru and Bud enjoyed many trips to Echo Bay Resort in Canada. Dru never learned to swim and wasn’t really comfortable on the water. In time, she did learn to relax and enjoy fishing and watching the many eagles and orcas in the area. Even though she enjoyed taking trips, she was always very happy to get back home. She truly was the happiest and most content at home with her family. Dru will be remembered for many things, but first and foremost will be her sense of humor. She would say that came from Grandpa Smith. She was a person who knew no strangers, always had a positive attitude and outlook, and dearly loved her family. Dru and George’s children who survive are Robyn Bryant, Tenino, WA; Beth (Pam) Jarrett-Jefferson, Mercer Island, WA; Pamela (Gary) Hodgson, Chehalis, WA; and Michael Morris, Bucoda, WA. Dru’s stepchildren (she really disliked the “step” word, and considered Bud’s children as her own) are Bill (Carol Ann) Richter, Puyallup, WA; Carol (Mike) Riordan, Littlerock, WA; Ray (Hilda) Richter, Bucoda, WA. She is also survived by a host of very beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, George; her stepson, Earl (Nancy) Richter; and her grandson, Brandon (Tina) Bryant. The family wants to thank the Providence Sound Home Care and Hospice, with a special thanks to nurse Laurel, and thanks to Paula, Adrienne, and Terry of Peace of Mind Affordable Home Care for their loving care during Mom’s illness. You all were such a blessing to her and to our entire family. A “come as you are” potluck Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2014, from 1 – 4 p.m. at the Bucoda Community Center on Main Street, Bucoda, WA, the same building where Dru’s parents had their Hardware store and where she sat in the famous window seat so many, many years ago. Mom was very easy-going and preferred to keep things casual, so this will be an informal gathering where her family and friends can get together to swap stories and share memories of this remarkable woman. The family suggests donations be made to Providence Sound Home Care & Hospice through the Providence St. Peter Foundation at www.providence.org/giving) or at 413 Lilly Road, Olympia, WA 98506 or to the Bucoda Community Foundation, PO Box 365, Bucoda, WA 98530. Please leave memories of Dru or condolences for her family in the Guestbook below.