Alta Marie Richards

Alta Marie Richards, born on April 6, 1933, in Wray, Colorado, passed away in her hometown on December 20, 2024.  She was the beloved daughter of Harry Leroy Gies and Mary Ellen Gies.
Growing up, she attended school in Laird, Colorado and in January 1950, Alta married the love of her life, Doyle Richards.  To this union, three children were born, Linda Ellen, born November 29, 1950, Doyle Allen born August 26, 1952, and Glenn Donald born February 13, 1956.
Alta and Doyle started their life together in Wray, Colorado. Doyle’s employment with the Burlington Northern Railroad took them to Denver, Colorado and eventually Brush, Colorado until Doyle’s unexpected death in 1963.
In 1964, Alta married Dean Bowker in Denver, Colorado and to this union Francis Lee Roy was born on August 5, 1965.
Alta was a strong-willed person who had a passion for many things including embroidery work and was constantly creating new designs on pillowcases and tea towels.  She also enjoyed crocheting doilies and collecting teddy bears that she shared with her grand kids.  Alta was a very social and outgoing person,she loved family get togethers, spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren as well as attending church.
Alta was proceeded in death by her parents Harry and Mary Gies, husbands Doyle Richards and Dean Bowker, son Glenn Donald and son-in-law Mervin Welp.  She is survived by her daughter Linda Welp of Wray, CO, son Allen Richards and wife Eva of Scott City, MO, son Lee Roy Bowker and wife Diana of Wray, CO, as well as 13 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild expected to arrive in February.   She will also be missed by her church family and many friends.
Funeral services will be held at the St. Andrew Catholic Church in Wray on December 28, 2024.