Gudrun Martha Richey

Gudrun Martha Richey, 88, originally of Mannheim, Germany passed away on September 24th, 2023. Born in Germany on January 7th, 1935, she spent her childhood and early adult years in her home country, raised by her grandparents in the Black Forest during the war before relocating to the Walton, New York area as a military spouse to her beloved husband. They met and began their life story as a result of his service in the U.S. military and her work at a military canteen in her home country. Her role as a military spouse, and the relationships she made in the military community, were both a source of pride for her as she supported her husband and family throughout his career, especially during his tour in Vietnam. They eventually settled in El Paso, Texas where they spent 40 years raising their family in that community. She became a U.S. citizen in 1966 and remained extremely proud of her status as an American her entire life, often enthusiastically stating that while her heritage would always be German that America was home. She returned to her home country with her daughter, Marina, one last time in 2015 and she held that special memory close the rest of her life. She celebrated 60 years of marriage to her husband, Orrin T. Richey, who preceded her in death in 2013. She loved her children, her grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren fiercely and her family remained her greatest pride throughout her life and brought her joy in her last days. A passionate homemaker, she took pride in her home and she often showed her love through food and will be remembered for keeping her kitchen warm with dishes that are memories and traditions for her family to this day. She loved animals, especially her beloved box turtles Herman and Fritz. She also possessed a hidden talent as an accomplished bowler, belonging to a local bowling league well into her 40s. In addition to her husband she is preceded in death by her parents, Karl and Gertrude Burkhardt, her brothers Dieter Burkhardt and Gerd Burkhardt, and her grandson Patrick Lang. She is survived by her sons, Steven Richey, Ronald (Alisa) Richey, her daughter Marina (Kevin) Lang, and her grandchildren Melissa (Jesse) Wilder, Brandon (Justin) Lang, Jared (Tayler) Richey, Auburn Richey, Aaron (Lydia) Lang, and Jarett Lang. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren Jayden Kindergan, Kaylena Folley, and Remington and Weston Wilder. They all loved her deeply and will miss her presence and sweet spirit. They are grateful for the many years they were able to know her and love her.