Lucile Florence (Smoot) Richter, age 95, went to meet her Lord and Savior July 28, at the Hanson Hospice Center in Stevensville, MI.  Lucile had directed that her body be donated to the University of Michigan Medical School.  Cremation will take place at a later date, and her ashes will be interred at the Keeler Cemetery beside her deceased husband Alfred Richter.

Lucile was born in Watervliet, MI to Frank Smoot and Mary (Bellinger) Smoot on October 2, 1918. She attended Bainbridge Center School and graduated from Watervliet High School in 1935 at age 16.  She the attended Benton Harbor Business College.

Lucile was employed as a secretary and bookkeeper at Troost Brothers Furniture Store for six years.  She and Alfred Richter were married September 17, 1938 in Benton Harbor.  Following the birth of her first son, William, she returned to work while husband Alfred served in North Africa and Italy during WWII.  During this time, she worked at Dachel-Carter Shipbuilding as transportation clerk securing ration books for company employees.

In 1947, Alfred and Lucile purchased a farm of 60 acres in Keeler Township and began a life-long career of raising many types of vegetables.  That tradition continues today with her youngest son Ronald.

Lucile is survived by her sons William (Holly) Richter of Stevensville, Larry (Dixie) Richter of Decatur, and Ronald Richter of Decatur, six grandchildren, three great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Her parents, her husband Alfred, a brother Lloyd, and sisters Mabel Kerr and Rosella McNair preceded her in death.

Lucile will be remembered for her tireless efforts on the family farm, as she worked the land providing for her family and countless numbers of employees and friends.  She was devoted to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as a member of the Calvary Bible Church for more than fifty years of service as a teacher and servant of the Lord.

She enjoyed tracing her family history back to some of the earliest settlers in the United States.  Later in life, she was able to travel to several countries and meet some of our distant relatives.  She will be missed by all she touched with her passion for her family and service to her church.

As a tribute to her, please consider in lieu of flowers, a donation to Calvary Bible Church, 3300 Territorial Rd., Benton Harbor, or Hospice at Home, 4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph.  A Celebration of Life is planned for August 23, at the home of Ron Richter.  A memorial service will be conducted at 3:00 pm, followed by a fellowship of food.  All family and friends are invited to attend.  You may leave a memory of Lucile at hutchinsfunral.com.