Doris E. Richards

Doris E. (Belcher) Richards, age 73, died peacefully at home on Sept. 1, 2017 surrounded by her loving family after a long-fought illness. Born on April 23, 1944 in Vernon to the late Robert and Ruth (Dewitt) Belcher, she graduated Sussex High School in 1962 and resided in Sussex County her entire life. Doris was a life-long banker, beginning her career with Farmer’s National Bank in Sussex at age 18. When her children were young, she also drove a school bus and worked at the Alexander Linn Hospital in Sussex. Doris then worked for many years at the National Bank of Sussex County; managing several branches and retired as an Officer of the Lakeland Bank.
She was a Past-President of the Beemerville Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. In retirement, Doris enjoyed volunteering at St. Clare’s Hospital in Sussex and serving on the history committee of the Sussex County Farm & Horse Show/NJ State Fair. She was a founding member of the Wanderer’s Car Club. She loved spending time with her family, her black lab “Teddy” and all the friends she made throughout her life. Doris leaves everyone with this simple message – “Be kind,” a motto that surely describes how she lived her life.
She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Wayne; her two sons, Walter Richards and his wife Shari and Michael Richards and his wife Lexi; and her four grandchildren; Devon, Julia, Greyson and Kyla, whom she cherished greatly. She was predeceased by her brothers; Robert, Melvin and Harold Belcher and is survived by her siblings, George and his wife, Jan Belcher, Gene Belcher, Dorothy Kline, Ruth and husband Bill McCarthy, and Jerry and wife Shelley Belcher. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.
A celebration of Doris’ life will be held at the convenience of the family at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Doris’ name to the Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, 99 Sparta Avenue, Newton, NJ 07860 or online at www.KarenAnnQuinlanHospice.org
Funeral Arrangements are under the direction of the Pinkel Funeral Home, 31 Bank Street (Route 23), Sussex, NJ. Online condolences may be offered to the family on www.pinkelfuneralhome.com.