About Me

Remembering Marge Richter

I had the blessing to meet Marge Richter in 1991. Her husband Willie was unable to accompany her to the Renton River Days banquet, and I had not yet purchased a ticket, so a mutual friend suggested that she and I attend together. We became fast friends, and I miss her dearly. She was a tireless and caring supporter of our community and a charming woman. She also possessed a contagious optimism and sence of humor that I'll never forget.

Nomination for 2004 Outstanding Citizen, Marge Richter -
Ms. Richter's legacy of caring for our community through her volunteerism and dedication is remarkable. As a member of the Park Board, Airport Advisory Committee, Transit Advisory Committee, and Renton Historical Society Board, she consistently provides a valuable citizen's perspective on issues and programs. During the City's Centennial celebration in 2001, she was an active committee member, providing not only a link to Renton's history but also a key to our future. Additionally, she worked to help raise funds for the new Veterans Memorial Park. Spurring from her initial association with the Downtown Renton Association, Marge continues to bring vitality to the downtown core through her volunteer efforts with both the Renton Farmers Market and Piazza Renton. She spearheaded the first Spring Clean-Up that has evolved into the Spring Festival, and has helped produce many other downtown events including the Harvest Festival and Holiday Tree Lighting. Marge is also a valuable contributor to her North Renton Neighborhood Association. Her loyalty to all that is done in our City is obvious, simply look in the front row at any event...she is always there.

Marjorie ``Marge'' Richter of Renton died April 9, 2006, in Renton. She was 80. Born March 26, 1926, in Aberdeen, S.D., she married William Richter on July 14, 1951, in Couer d'Alene and lived in Renton since 1942. Mrs. Richter was the owner and operator of Marge's Gift Box in Renton. She was chosen as volunteer of the year in 2003 and nominated for citizen of the year in 2004. She had been a Renton activist and volunteer member of the park board, historical society, TOPS Club 60, Airport and Transit Advisory Committee, Piazza Renton Committee, Renton River Days, Renton Veterans Memorial, Farmers Market committee and North Renton Neighborhood Association. She enjoyed sewing, traveling, water skiing in her younger years, and supporting her children and grandchildren's sport activities. She is survived by her husband; sons, Frank Graves of Phoenix and Tim Graves of Republic; daughters, Peggy Spjut of Brush Prairie and Molly Fitzgerald of Renton; brothers, Harry Ballard Jr. of Renton, Richard Ballard of Wrangell, Alaska, and Michael Ballard of SeaTac; 14 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

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