Dorthy J Riker

Dorthy J. Riker, age 94, formerly of Lima, died at 12:46 a.m., on Feb. 25, 2015, in Llanfair Retirement Community, Cincinnati. She was born Nov. 23, 1920, in Lima, to the late Clifford and Helen (Kennedy) Cunningham. For sixty years, she was one-half of a remarkable marriage to Edgar “Lafe” Riker who died on June 19, 1998.

Surviving are three children: Nancy Ricks of Lima, Susan (Alan) Polter and J. Timothy (Miriam) Riker both of Cincinnati; grandchildren: KaSandra Marie (Frank) Feldmann, George William Ricks, Katharine Abigail Riker, Alison Elizabeth (Steven) Peterson, Phillip Michael Polter and Andrew Thomas Polter; and great-grandchildren: Daniel Patrick Feldmann and Jazmine Hope, Shawn Timothy and Jaxson Steven Peterson.

A brother, William Cunningham, and a sister, Mary Ellen Carr, preceded her in death.

Dorthy Riker cherished her family, was devoted to her community, and loved her country. She was a homemaker and an engaged citizen. She was a staunch admirer of President Harry S. Truman, Democrat, for his steadfast leadership of the Nation during the challenging days at the end of World War II, and beyond. And she greatly admired Congressional Representative William M. McCulloch, Ohio - 4th District, Republican, for his courage and instrumental work that led to the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Dorthy Riker was the first Lima City Councilwoman, having been elected to the newly formed 8th Ward in November of 1973. She served until 1991. Her opinions were always thoughtful; her word could always be trusted; her standard of integrity in public service is unsurpassed.

Mrs. Riker retired from the Lima Y.W.C.A., was a former board member of Lima Memorial Hospital, and for many years, she was very active in the P.T.A. on the local and state levels.

Her funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. on March 6 in Siferd-Orians Funeral Home (506 N. Cable Road, Lima), with Rev. Douglas Adams officiating. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Visitation will be on March 5 from 2-4, and 6-8 p.m. in the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Llanfair Retirement Community, 1701 Llanfair Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45224 or Senior Independence Hospice, 9600 Colerain Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45251.

Condolences may be expressed at www.siferd-oriansfuneralhome.com