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Dorothy Louise Rikard Lowdermilk
(July 26, 1921 - October 13, 2010)

LOWDERMILK, Dorothy Louise Rikard Lowdermilk, beloved Daughter, Sister, Wife, Mother, Grandmother, and Great-Grandmother, passed away October 13 2010, in Kingwood, Texas, at the age of 89 years. She was born July 26, 1921, the third child of eight children to James Earlie Rikard and Pearl Elizabeth Bice Rikard of Couley, Louisiana.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her loving parents, brothers, James Wilmer Rikard, R.B. Rikard, and Jesse Benjamin Rikard, her sisters, Ina Pearl Rowell, Earlena Collins, and Izora Steinschulte.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 66 years, Samuel Murphy Lowdermilk, of Porter, Texas; devoted children, Barbara Elizabeth Conrad, and husband, Claude, Kingwood, Texas; sons, Dr. David Murphy Lowdermilk, and wife, Kathleen, of Bossier City, Louisiana; and James Samuel Lowdermilk, and wife, Dianne, of Tomball, Texas. Dorothy is also survived by her precious grandchildren: Lauren Elizabeth Kaider, and husband, Gregory; Corbin Eugene Conrad, and wife, Elizabeth; Rebecca Ann Cole, and husband, Jason; Jody Rae Mirike, and husband, Matthew, and Morgan Brett Lowdermilk. Also, 13 treasured great-grandchildren; Ashton Brett Hale Kaider, Caroline Elizabeth Kaider, Keaton Matthew Kaider, Brayden James Kaider, Isabella Louise Kaider, Damien Alexander Conrad, Sierra Marie Conrad, Samuel David Cole, Faith Mishael Cole, Murphie Jane Mirike, Jessie Paige Mirike, Addison Rae Angel, and Layla Grace Angel remain to cherish her memory; also, two anxiously expected arrivals. She is also survived by her beloved brother, John E. Rikard, of Rockwall, Texas, sister-in-law, Mrs. Jesse B. (Dovie) Rikard, and many nieces and nephews.

Dorothy exemplified the ``greatest generation'' of Americans, her two defining passions being her Christian faith and her family. As an exemplary Christian wife and mother, a lifelong Methodist, a charter member of Friendship United Methodist Church in Porter, and formerly of Ludtke Methodist Church in Houston, she was active in the United Methodist Women, and served in many church-related capacities. Dorothy was also a Charter Member of the Rosewyn Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, New Caney. Surviving the Great Depression, her childhood was spent on the family farm in north central Louisiana. From this environment, Dorothy learned the value of hard work, character and integrity. From her loving Christian family, she acquired a deep faith and steadfast loyalty to those she loved. Upon graduation from Winnfield High School, Dorothy resided with her aunt and grandfather, and accepted employment with B. Franklin & Co.

In 1942, she met the love of her life, Samuel Murphy Lowdermilk. They were married January 2, 1944, and moved to Houston in 1950. Being a woman of God, Dorothy was blessed with many talents, which she generously shared. Meals always began with grace, the days ended in prayer. Sundays were Holy, and love was always in the home. Dorothy delighted in celebrating family occasions, and holidays, as her culinary skills were legendary. Being a talented designer and seamstress, many beautiful quilts, afghans, and specialty clothes were lovingly made for family and friends. One of her proudest moments was the exquisite wedding gown fashioned for her daughter, and daughter-in-law, with hundreds of hand-sewn pearls. Dorothy was graced with exceptional beauty, a tender heart, and a gracious spirit. She taught us well, and has left us with memories to be treasured in our hearts until the end of time.

Friends and family will honor Dorothy Rikard Lowdermilk at the Kingwood Funeral Home Thursday October 14, 2010 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Funeral services will be held at Friendship United Methodist Church in Porter at 11:00 AM on Friday October 14, 2010, and a celebration of her life will follow in the Fellowship Hall. Interment will be at the Couley Methodist Church Cemetery in Winnfield, Louisiana, Saturday October 15, 2010 following an 11:00 AM service.

The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the management & staff of Park Manor Nursing Facility, Humble Texas and to Westminster House of Kingwood for their kindness, support and care that was extended to Dorothy during her illness.