Rotha Irene Criqui

Rotha Irene Criqui, 95, Topeka, passed away on Friday, October 30, 2009 at Mission Towers. She was born on September 17, 1914 in Belvidere, Nebraska, the daughter of Frederick Lillard and Mollie Juila (Williamson) Lewis.

Rotha married Harve A. Criqui, Sr. on May 13, 1927 in Lyndon, Kansas. After 62 years of marriage, he preceded her in death. From 1927 until 1976 Rotha lived in the communities of Melvern, Olivet, Burlington and Meriden. Rotha resided in Holton, Kansas from 1976 until 1990. During the 1970's Rotha enjoyed working as a clerk in the material department of the Alco Discount Store in Topeka. In 1978, at the age of 64, when most people are retiring, she earned her G.E.D. She was a member of Burlington United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women and taught primary Sunday school for several years.

She is survived by her children, June Criqui of Topeka; Harve Criqui, Jr. of Osage City; Howard (Shirley) Criqui of Meriden; Harold Criqui of Denison; David (Guille) Criqui of Harbor City, CA; Dorothy (Jerome) Dolsky of Topeka; Roy (Janet) Criqui of Council Grove; her brother, Bill (Dottie) Lewis of Bakersfield, CA; 20 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her son Donald Criqui, five brothers and sisters, and five grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 3 at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel. Burial will follow in the Mount Hope Cemetery. Rotha will lie in state on Monday from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Topeka Rescue Mission, 600 N Kansas Ave, Topeka, KS 66608 or Doorstep, 1119 SW 10th Ave, Topeka, KS 66604.