Betty Riechman, 86, of Centralia passed away, surrounded by the love of her family, Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in St. Louis, MO.
She was born on November 25, 1937, the daughter of Hallie and Estella (Peters) Ford in Centralia. She married the love of her life, Richard Riechman on July 3, 1960, at the Christian Church in Centralia, and he preceded her in death on August 31, 2007.
Survivors that will hold dear memories of Betty include her beloved family, son, Dr. Mark Riechman (Sharon) of Orland Park; daughter, Mary Riechman (Matthew) of Centralia; granddaughters, Kiersten (Ian) Rapplean, and Kendall (Konstandinos) Zavos; 2 precious great-grandchildren; sister, Debby Schippel of Centralia; nieces, Susan (Kurt) Kleinedler, Patty Salisbury (Otto), Ashley (Max) Williams, and Andrea Wolenhaupt.
Along with her husband of 47 years, Richard Riechman, Betty was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Ramona (Dick) Salisbury; her nephew, Josh Sloat.
Betty had a savvy mind for business that was most beneficial for the success of the insurance agency, Riechman Agency that she and her husband Richard co-owned in Centralia for many years. She loved traveling to beautiful, warm destinations, to soak in the goodness a day at the beach could bring. Betty was a flower gardener, adorning her home with colorful beauty from her creative designs in flowerpots and garden beds. She enjoyed going out to dinner with family and friends, sharing great conversations, and not missing a chance to indulge her sweet tooth with a delicious dessert. Betty was devoted to her family, wanting all the best for her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sisters, and nieces.
A celebration of life service will be held at the Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia at 7:00 p.m. Saturday, November 9, 2024, with Pastor Seth Baltzell officiating. Friends and relatives are welcome to a visitation time to offer words of comfort and support to her family from 5:00 p.m. until the time of the service on Saturday at the funeral home in Centralia. Memorials may be made in Betty’s honor to the Centralia Humane Society. Online condolences and memories of Betty may be shared with her family by visiting maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page. Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia is privileged to assist Betty Riechman’s family with arrangements.
