Stephen Craig Richter, 65, passed away Oct. 1, at Hays Medical Center, Hays, Kan. Stephen was a beloved member of the communities of Ellinwood, Kan. where he worked and Great Bend Kan. where he lived. He was known for his kind and loving spirit, showing genuine interest and concern for the lives of the people around him. Stephen was known for his devotion to his family, especially his grandchildren, and his love and support of those in his community.
He was born on July 1, 1959, in Syracuse, Kan., to Donald and Peggy (Waddle) Richter. He graduated from Syracuse High School and, through his participation in athletics, began a lifelong love of sports. Stephen moved to Lawrence after high school where he attended the University of Kansas and began his career as a produce manager at Food-4-Less. Stephen was previously married to Susan Stambaugh in Lawrence, and they would be blessed with three daughters. Stephen would be known throughout the rest of his life for his love of family, love of Jayhawks, and quality produce!
Stephen moved to Great Bend becoming a lifelong resident in 1981. Although living in Great Bend, Stephen developed a devotion to the community of Ellinwood. He was a long-time employee of Ellinwood Family Foods where he took great pride in the quality of produce available to the community and the service he gave to every customer. While at the grocery store, Stephen started working part time with the Ellinwood Recreation Commission and in 2020, Stephen humbly accepted his dream job as Director where he served the community of Ellinwood for the remainder of his life. Stephen became a pillar of the community, not because of wealth or position but, because everyone knew he was the biggest fan of the community and was devoted to the success of Ellinwood students. In addition to his involvement with Recreation Commission, he was a member of the Ellinwood Chamber of Commerce, Ellinwood Eagle Booster board member, Ellinwood HSFCA sponsor, and had previously taught children at First Southern Baptist in Great Bend and Awanas in Ellinwood.
His love of community was surpassed only by his devotion to God and his love for his family. Survivors include daughters, Taasha Smith and husband Todd of Lenexa, Stesha Rathbun and husband Keith of Garden City, and Marisha McDonald and husband Shawn of Goodyear, Ariz.; ten grandchildren, Jett,Aniston, Ellsie and Vivie Smith, Jakobe, Porter, and Baker Rathbun, and Cohen, Eily, and Foster McDonald; mother Peggy; three brothers, Thomas Richter and wife Carrie Ann of Edmond, Okla., Michael Richterand wife Lori of Goddard, and Brian Richter and wife Kim of Sterling; and seven nieces and nephews, Scott Richter and wife Megan, Ryan Richter and wife Tessa, Cody Richter, Cameron Richter, Taylor Richter, Blake Richter, and Riley Richter.
He is preceded in death by his father, Donald.
Visitation will take place from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6, with family receiving guests from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., all at Bryant Funeral Home in Great Bend, Kan. Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 7, at Ellinwood Community Church in Ellinwood Kan., with Pastor Sam Ryan presiding along with Stephen’s son-in-law Todd Smith. Interment will follow at Lakin Comanche Cemetery in Ellinwood. Memorials have been designated to Ellinwood HS FCA or Ellinwood Recreation Center, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.
Funeral arrangements by
Bryant Funeral Home
1425 Patton Road
Great Bend, KS 67530
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Oct. 5, 2024
