Dorothy Richards Bunch

Dorothy Richards Bunch of Austin, Texas, at 93 years of age, went to her heavenly home on August 7, 2020. Dorothy was born in Kirtley, Texas on March 25, 1927 as the second child of Esther and Billie Richards. In her early years, Dorothy grew up on a farm with her older brother Bill and her younger brother Roland and attended school in the nearby town of Smithville. After graduating from high school in 1944, Dorothy moved to Austin to attend Durham Business College and the city would remain her home until her passing. After attending business school, she worked for the Highway Department and then married and started her family with the birth of her first daughter Pam followed by the birth of her second daughter Lanu four years later. Once her daughters were in high school and middle school respectively, Dorothy returned to work taking a job with the Austin Citizen selling classified ad space. She would later work for Dr. Ira Tunnell as his administrative assistant and then for Minrith-Meier Tunnell & Wilson. Dorothy finished her working career helping assist and support the establishment of Laurel Mountain Research which is now in its 25th year of operation.

In 1950, Dorothy became a member of Central Baptist Church which would later be renamed Great Hills Baptist Church of which she was fortunate to call her church home for 70 years. Her passion for teaching and children led her to teach Sunday school at the kindergarten level for 52 years. Dorothy was also a faithful member of the Promise Singers and enjoyed volunteering with the Great Hills Women's Retreat Ministry.

Dorothy's life verse was, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." -Proverbs 3:5-6. Dorothy lived out this verse and her paths were made straight through the love and encouragement she gave as a mother, teacher, and friend.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, Esther and Billie Richards, her older brother and his wife, Billie and Dorothy Richards, and her younger brother and his wife, Roland and Helen Richards. She is survived by her two daughters, Pam Manly and husband Walt, and Lanu Hogan and husband Roy; 5 grandchildren, Marc Manly and wife Bonnie, Matt Manly, Hilary Hogan, Ryan Hogan, and Regan Hogan; and 3 great-grandchildren, Chelsea Hutton, Stephon Manly, and Jeremiah Manly. She is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Our family wants to thank Dr. Kunjan Bhatt and his staff at Austin Heart for their expertise and continued compassionate care.

Visitation with the family to begin at 10:15 am on Friday, August 14, 2020 at Great Hills Baptist Church, with a Memorial Service to follow at 11:00 AM, also at Great Hills Baptist Church.

Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to: Great Hills Baptist Church Children's Ministry, 10500 Jollyville Road, Austin, Texas 78759, the Central Texas Food Bank at www.centraltexasfoodbank.org, or the charity of your choice.