Thelma E. Richards

Thelma Elizabeth Richards November 23, 1921 ~ July 28, 2015 Thelma Elizabeth Richards passed away on July 28, 2015. She was born on November 23, 1921, in Box Elder, MT. Thelma was the seventh of ten children born to Arthur Josiah and Mildred Ethel (Mohney) Morrow. The family later moved from Montana to McCleary, WA. Thelma cherished her years growing up on the farm. She graduated from Elma High School in 1940. She met Glenn Richards, and after a brief courtship, they were married by a Justice of the Peace on May 8, 1941, in Olympia, WA. The couple made their home in the area. During part of the war years, they lived in San Diego, CA, where Glenn was stationed with the US Navy. Thelma returned to Olympia, WA when Glenn was sent overseas. She worked at the hospital and cared for their children. After Glenn's discharge from service in 1946, the family moved to Twisp, WA. Thelma was the bookkeeper at their Mobile gas station and later for their Hudson dealership. The family moved to Okanogan in 1959, where they owned and operated Valley Auto and Truck. She continued as bookkeeper, off and on, until their retirement in 1977. Thelma was active in several organizations including the American Legion Auxiliary, Menders and Good Sam's. She helped on the VA Bus and volunteered during the Okanogan County elections. Thelma enjoyed bowling and played on several teams. She was an excellent cook and spent quiet time tending her flowers. She and Glenn loved to dance. They spent many fun times camping, boating and riding snowmobiles. Their greatest pleasure was time spent with family and friends. Thelma is survived by her son, Dwight (Bev) Richards, Pablo, MT; daughters, Deana (Dale) Markham, Okanogan, WA, Juanita (James) Riedel, Wenatchee, WA, and Darlene Fenno, East Wenatchee, WA; grandchildren: Dean (Chris) Markham, Darcy Markham, Jeremy Fenno, Blake (Stacey) Richards, Justin (Jamie) Borders, Katie (James) High, and Jacob (Cathy) Riedel; and great-grandchildren: Hailey, Tyler, Claire, Elizabeth, Molly, Sophia and Beau. A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 26, 2015, at 11:00 a.m. at Telford's Chapel of the Valley. Memorials may be made to the American Legion Post 56, Okanogan, WA, or to Hospice. Arrangements are by Telford's Chapel of the Valley, East Wenatchee.

Thelma E. Richards

November 23, 1921 - July 28, 2015