Leroy Richey

Leroy Richey, 81, passed away May 28 at his home in Corvallis. He was the son of Eugene Richey and Grace Ellen (Swanson) Richey. He was born in Blanchard, Okla. He was the sixth son of a family of eight boys and one girl. He delighted in telling friends he had seven brothers and they each had a sister. After high school he attended University of Oklahoma for one semester, and the military called. He joined the U.S. Air Force and served for two years. He returned home and started work in the Oklahoma oil fields, moving to various locations. While in Beaver, Okla., he met and married Phyllis Helen Phelps in 1953. They shared almost 60 years together. In 1954, Terry Lee was born in Norman, Okla. The family soon moved to Corvallis, and Leroy found work in the grocery business. In 1955, a daughter, Pamela Jean, was born. Stephanie Jane soon followed in 1956. Leroy and brothers Purman and Jack opened their first market in March 1961. Another brother, Shi, joined them in 1962 when they opened their second store, in Albany. Leroy’s specialty was the produce department. Quality and a fair price were his top concern. He took great pride in his produce, even growing his own melons and vegetables for the stores at his family farm. He raised his kids with a strong work ethic, which he was so proud of. He also made many friends along the way in his 49 years in the grocery business, and loved seeing his customers on a regular basis. During that time he also enjoyed raising and racing thoroughbred horses. He loved the yearly family reunions at the Snake River. They were still his fondest memories. He always talked with his brothers and sister about getting together for a good ol’ Snake River breakfast in the backyard. He loved his family more than anything else, and they meant the world to him — especially get-togethers with good food and visiting! He also enjoyed American Legion baseball and followed all his grandkids’ sports. Survivors include his wife, Phyllis; son Terry; daughters Pamela Rieseberg and husband Ron of Albany, and Stephanie Appelman and husband Tom of Corvallis; grandsons Dustin and Aaron Rieseberg of Portland; granddaughters Katie Jean Rieseberg and husband Derek of Bend, Ashley Jane Appelman and husband Sean of Corvallis, and Haley Jean Appelman of Seattle; great-grandchildren Talara Barnes and one-month-old Zoey Layne Cate; brothers Raymond and wife Margie of Downey, Calif., Bill and wife Weedie of Chickasha, Okla., Jack and wife Vera of Corvallis, Carl and wife Beverly of Yukon, Okla., and A.B. and wife Nancy of Anadanko, Okla.; sister Fern Dennis and husband George of Blanchard; sister-in-law Hazel; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was blessed with a large, caring family and he loved them all. He was preceded in death by his mother and father; brother Purman and wife Mary Ann; brother Shi and wife Ola; nephew David; and two nieces, Junella and Nanette. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to Volunteer Interfaith Caregivers, 501 N.W. 25th St., Corvallis, OR 97330; or the American Legion baseball program. A celebration of life is being planned for a later date, and will be announced.

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Leroy Richey

November 12, 1931 - May 28, 2013