Illa Mae (Cook) Richardson

It is with solemnity that we announce the passing of Illa Mae Cook Richardson, age 93, on February 22, 2025, in Peoria, Arizona. Illa Mae, a cherished member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has blessed the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Born on September 13, 1931, in Firth, Idaho, to Frank and Anna Cook, Illa Mae was blessed with a remarkable gift for music from a young age. She fell in love with Newell Kay Richardson while a student at Brigham Young University. In 1953, Illa Mae earned a degree in music performance and the happy couple were then married in the Idaho Falls Temple. While her husband finished medical school, she kept busy raising her young children. A dedicated pianist, organist, vocalist, music teacher, composer, and choir director, Illa Mae served in numerous capacities within the church and community. Her music was a reflection of her deep faith, and her sharing of that faith enriched the spiritual lives of many - often those that may have felt forgotten.

While serving as matron in the Idaho Falls Temple, amongst her many responsibilities, Illa Mae mentored chapel organists: always providing uplifting spiritual messages to each on a regular basis. Illa Mae shared the gospel not only through her music, but also was a selfless example of a true friend to those in need. She lived by the teachings of Jesus Christ throughout her life including fulfilling a service mission with her husband in Chile, who preceded her in death.

Illa Mae was a devoted mother to six children, grandmother to 23, and great-grandmother to 42--survived by all posterity. Illa Mae’s greatest joy was her posterity; she treasured her individual relationships with “each and every one” down to her great-grandchildren. To that end, she would want to name each of them: Scott Edmund (Maria) Richardson: Janae Marie (Nicolas) Martin; Brenden Scott Richardson: Mikenzie Reja', Roanin Matthew; Stetson Lee Richardson; Annette Renee Richardson: Jenelle Renee Ounjian: Derek Gabriel, Brielle; Justin Newell Richardson: Soraka Francina, Zayah Kay; Juliane Nicole (Arthur) Magana: Brody Anthony, Willow Mae; Mark Newell (Kimberly) Richardson: Courtney Anne (John) Houghton: Myka Anne, Sage Rene, Cardon John; Austin Gordon (Lindsay) Richardson: Brighton Randal, Aleena Marie, Irelynn Jade; Kyle Mark (Lauren) Richardson: Everett Mark, Virginia May, Nellie Ann; Aubrey Lee (Brent) Stock: Lucy Mae, Graham Evan, Clara Diane; Heather Joan (Douglas) Wadley; Joan (Alan) Landes: Adrienne (Sterling) Mann: Eleanor, Sterling, Charlotte, Juliet, Henry; Robert (Randee) Landes: Hayden, Lucy, Millie, Norah, Rushton; Amelia (Matthew) Murdock: Lydia, Vivian, Eliza, Madeline; Allison (Thorsten) Zarembowicz; Russell (Karissa) Landes: Calvin, Luke, Diana, William; Ryan (Chelsea) Landes: Ivy, Easton; Abigail Landes; Joel Frank (Sandi) Richardson: Joshua Joel (Marisol) Richardson: Dominic Alberto, Roman Ventura; Natalie Nicole Richardson; Ashlynn Lee Richardson; Dallin Cook (Jennifer) Richardson: Alicia Marie and Spencer Cordero.

Illa Mae’s legacy of music, faith, and love will continue to inspire and uplift all who knew her. Her sweet melodies and kind spirit will be deeply missed, but we take comfort in knowing she is now in the presence of her Heavenly Father.

Funeral Services will be held at 12 p.m. Saturday, March 22, 2025, at the Long Cove Ward chapel, 1925 East 49th South, Idaho Falls, Idaho. The family will visit with friends from 10:30-11:30 a.m. prior to services. Interment will be in the Goshen Cemetery in Goshen, Idaho.

Services are being broadcast at https://www.youtube.com/live/l2NU037vmyI

Life Sketch of Illa Mae Cook Richardson (1931–2025)

Illa Mae Cook Richardson was born in 1931 near Idaho Falls, Idaho, a miracle child to her mother, Anna Matilda Haroldsen Cook, who had been told she could bear no more children after receiving treatment from the Mayo Clinic while suffering a severe radium burn. Raised on a 120-acre farm in Goshen as the 5th of 6 children, Illa Mae grew up in a faith-filled home rooted in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her early years were shaped by hard work and strict gender roles—boys outdoors, girls indoors—though her mother, "Momie" Cook, defied these norms by managing horses and farm labor alongside her father, Frank Cook.

Illa Mae’s love for music emerged early, nurtured by her grandfather Haroldsen’s legacy as a Norwegian choirboy with perfect pitch. She began piano lessons in a two-room schoolhouse under an inspiring teacher, sparking a lifelong passion. A broken arm delayed her baptism, but she turned it into a missionary opportunity, inviting her school friend to accept the gospel and be baptized with her on the same day. This foreshadowed Illa Mae’s lifelong zeal for sharing her faith.

Her high school years at Firth High School showcased her musical talents and leadership. With only 50 students in her graduating class, she seized numerous opportunities: playing saxophone in the marching band, oboe in the symphony, and piano for choral groups, while also leading the pep band and editing the school newspaper. As a senior, she served as a state officer for Future Homemakers of America (FHA), composing the song “We Are the Future Homemakers of America,” published nationally in 1948.

A heavenly vision from her deceased grandmother Haroldsen, led her to Brigham Young University (BYU). Once there, a music scholarship enabled her to study applied music, mastering the pipe organ and performing a senior recital. She graduated in 1953 with a Bachelor of Arts degree specializing in music performance, earning an award as the best all-around music student.

In 1951, Illa Mae met Newell Kay Richardson at BYU, mistaking him for a married man during their first encounter. Their romance blossomed after a church dance festival, culminating in a two-year courtship and marriage on July 28, 1953, in the Idaho Falls Temple—the same date as her parents’ anniversary. Their union began with humble means, a honeymoon suite (offered as a free upgrade) in Idaho Falls, and a return to BYU as dorm head residents. Their first child, Scott Edmund, arrived followed by five more: Annette, Mark Newell, Joan, Joel Frank, and Dallin Cook, born between 1954 and 1968.

Newell Kay’s military service took them to San Antonio, Texas, where he served in the Army, and Illa Mae adapted to life with two young children. Late in 1956, they moved to Detroit, Michigan, for Newell Kay’s medical training at Wayne State Medical School. Illa Mae nursed her babies, managed frequent moves (18+ times over 67 years), and much later in Idaho Falls founded the Medilarks, a women’s singing group that unified the community for 20 years.

Illa Mae’s life was deeply influenced by her parents. Her mother, Momie Cook, a woman of unshakable faith, cared for her dementia-stricken mother for seven years. Her father, Frank, a German immigrant’s son, joined the church despite family opposition, becoming a quiet servant of the Lord. His death in 1976 and subsequent spiritual visitations comforted Illa Mae, as did her mother’s peaceful passing in 1991 after glimpsing the Savior.

A gifted musician and organizer, Illa Mae composed “To Be Called His People” in 1994, inspired by the Book of Mormon, dedicating it to her mother. Her love of the scriptures guided her through trials, including supporting a child in medical distress and performing a daunting recital at BYU-Idaho in 1990 on the famed Ruffatti organ.

While serving as a service missionary in Chile in 1997, Sorella Richardson encouraged congregations to learn and appreciate the new hymnbook.  Later as matron of the Idaho Falls Temple, Sister Richardson was responsible for calling over 70 ward organists across the region as temple organists: instilling the importance of bringing the Lord’s Spirit through the peaceful playing of hymns.

Illa Mae’s legacy is one of music, service, and family. She raised six children to walk in truth, finding her greatest joy in their temple reunion. Her reflections reveal a life of tender mercies, anchored by a testimony of Christ’s atonement and a commitment to uplift others through her talents and love.