Regional and rural development lost one of its voices this past weekend with the death of Patty Richardson, former executive director of Great Plains Development, Inc. (GPDI) in Dodge City. At the height of her career Patty was instrumental in making sure GPDI packaged and delivered the best loans possible in support of small business development throughout Southwest Kansas.
In 2008 Patty became one of the founding members of the Kansas Association of Regional Development Organizations (KARDO). In that role she allowed use of GPDI’s legal status and good name as a means of securing the financial assistance needed from the Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, to initiate KARDO’s existence. Patty further served on the board of directors for the organization, acting as Treasurer from 2008 to 2010. She will be missed.
Here is her obituary.
Patricia R. Richardson, 73, died July 4, 2016 at Trinity Manor Nursing Home in Dodge City. She was born on March 17, 1943 at Garden City, KS the daughter of Floyd and Addie (Davis) Dunham. She married Lee A Richardson on December 21, 1963 in Garden City, he preceded her in death on April 19, 1982. She loved watching football.
Survivors include her son Patrick Richardson and wife Valerie of Columbus, Kansas; brother Delmer Dunham and wife Ruby of Dighton; two sisters Betty Carney and husband Joe of Kansas City, Kansas; Velma Johnson and husband James of Waco, Texas. She is also survived by three grandchildren and six great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Memorial Graveside service will be held at Valley View Cemetery, Garden City, on Saturday, July 9, 2016 at 10:00 AM with Mr. Delmer Dunham presiding. There will be visitation as cremation has taken place. Memorials are suggested to American Cancer Society in care of the Swaim Funeral Home, 1901 6th Avenue, Dodge City, KS 67801.
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