Doris I. Richardson, age 85, of Williamsburg, died Thursday, February 26, 2009 at her home following an extended illness. At Doris’ request, her body has been cremated. Her ashes will be inurned in the Matheson family plot at 10:30 A.M. Saturday, February 28, 2009, at Oak Hill Cemetery in Williamsburg. Following the committal, the family will greet friends from 11 until 2 P.M. at the family home, 101 E. Walnut, Williamsburg. In lieu of flowers memorials may be contributed to Iowa City Hospice. Kloster Funeral Home, Marengo is in charge of arrangements.

Doris is survived by her daughters, Lynne Richardson of Arlington, VA and Jamie Richardson of Williamsburg; a sister, Julia MacNair who resides at the English Valley Care Center; and nieces Deborah MacNair, Chris Kelman and Meg Jodeit and families. She was preceded in death by her parents, an older brother Ralph H. Jr. and twin brother, Don.

Doris I. Matheson was born January 4, 1924, the daughter of Ralph H. and Ferne M. Chittenden Matheson. She graduated from Williamsburg High School and attended the University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA majoring in Spanish and Music. Doris married Russell G. Richardson in 1946. The couple resided in a number of places as Russell pursued a career in the U.S. Air Force. They had two daughters, Julie Lynne Richardson and Jamie E. Richardson. The couple divorced in 1968. In 1964 Doris returned with her daughters to the Matheson family home in Williamsburg. She looked after her mother Ferne until Ferne’s death in May of 1980. Doris was employed as a teller at Security Savings Bank, retiring in 1989.

Music was Doris’ lifelong love and salvation. Born to musical parents, she inherited from her father a sense of the sheer joy of music; from her mother, an accompanist’s sensitivity; and from both, an acutely keen ear. She was active in Sweet Adelines and conducted the First United Presbyterian Church Choir in Williamsburg for eleven years. Her most treasured experience was the 40 year association with the “Gus Steffen Quartet”, comprised of Bill and Rita McDonald, Sandy Ficken, and Gus Steffen. She created arrangements, coached rehearsals and enjoyed each performance as well as their deep friendship.