Jean Augusta Richter

Jean Augusta Keller Richter, 98, passed away July 14, 2013 in Little Rock. Born in Oklahoma City to Lawrence and Marie Klugas Keller, she attended Oklahoma University as a journalism major before marrying Cebert A. Richter in 1937 following a whirlwind romance. Their daughter Judith was born just prior to WWII, and, following Cebert's return from the Pacific, daughter Holly. The marriage lasted 69 years till Cebert's passing in Little Rock in 2006. During the War, Jean began to realize she was a talented artist as well as a writer. When Cebert's career in the oil industry caused their moves to Garden City, Kansas, and later to Norman, Oklahoma, she continued to take painting lessons, entered her works in art shows, won numerous ribbons, and sold many of her works.  She also was one of the founders of the Firehouse Art Center in Norman. During her Garden City years, she became a features writer in 1965 in for the Garden City Telegram, the largest newspaper in western Kansas, just when the movie In Cold Blood was being filmed there. For four years, she wrote human interest stories and interviewed visiting dignitaries such as Ann Landers and Bennett Cerf. Her efforts won four national awards from the National Federation of Press Women, with some of her articles being picked up by the Associated Press. Jean also wrote several articles published in The Daily Oklahoman, most especially one featuring Cebert's own colorful mother. Even after moving to Little Rock, Jean continued to write. She sent comments to Arkansas Democrat Gazette writer Charles Allbright for his column, and he published everything she sent. Jean's writing and painting were cruelly halted by the rapid onset of macular degeneration, but she continued to use her wit and wisdom with her friends and caregivers until her death. Surviving Jean are daughters Judy Dillon (John) of Independence, Kan., Holly Eaton of Sherwood, Ark., grandson, Brian Eaton (Lori), and great-grandchildren, Jake and Isla of San Antonio, Texas. Arrangements made by Roller-Owens Funeral Home, 5509 John F. Kennedy Blvd. North Little Rock, Ark. 72116 (501-791-7400). In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Asbury United Methodist Church, 1700 Napa Valley Dr.,  Little Rock, Ark. 72212. Online guestbook www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/owens.