Thelma Jean Richard

Born and raised in Denver, Colorado, Thelma grew up enjoying what the mountains of Colorado had to offer, becoming an avid hiker, camper, and all-around nature enthusiast. She graduated from Denver’s West High School in 1945 while also working part-time at the candy counter at the Paramount Theater, as an assembly-line worker at Brach’s, and in the index department of Montgomery Ward. Chaperoning her younger sister Doris on a blind date, she met the love of her life, George “Buster” Richard. They married in February 1946. They had six children together and celebrated 67 years of marriage in 2013.

Thelma moved to Greeley in 1966 where Bus founded Newco Electrical Wholesale Inc. with his brother Dewey and brother-in-law Joe Daviet. Thelma worked as a homemaker and was a licensed daycare provider for over 20 years. She was a member of the Newcomers Bowling team and was one of their top scorers year-in and year-out. She continued to bowl until her 90th birthday. She also belonged to the Greeley Jeeping Club for many years. In 1974, Thelma and Buster bought land in the Rocky Mountains and began a life-long dream of building a cabin retreat for her and her family. They began living there permanently in 1998 and Thelma continued to live there after Buster’s death in 2013 until the Cameron Peak Fire destroyed her home in 2020. In 1976, Bus and five shipmates from the USS Tennessee founded the USS Tennessee Reunion Association. Thelma became a supportive member, accompanying Bus to every reunion until his death in 2013. She also organized 3 reunions in Colorado in 1985, 1998 and in 2014. She loved to travel, taking road trips across the U.S. and cruises around the globe.

A devoted sports enthusiast, Thelma was a loyal fan of all the Colorado teams. She boisterously cheered on her Broncos, Rockies, Nuggets and Avalanche during both their winning and losing seasons. Thelma loved keeping her family together. She made calls and sent cards to celebrate events. Her baked goods were beloved by family and friends alike.

Thelma was preceded in death by her husband George, her son Tim; her daughter Janet Mayfield; her parents; and her sister Doris and brother Jerry Proper.

She is survived by her sons, Cliff (Sharon), Larry (Patsy), and Scott; and her daughter Tish (Cliff); seven grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, February 24, 2024, at Allnutt Funeral Service – Macy Chapel, 6521 W. 20th St., Greeley, with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Glen Haven Volunteer Fire Station, Weld and/or Larimer County Food Banks, and Wounded Warriors, in care of Allnutt Funeral Service, Greeley, CO 80634. Friends and family may send their condolences by visiting the online obituary at www.allnuttgreeley.com.