Norma Richards

Norma Rhead Richards, 74, of Stanwood, WA, passed away on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2014, at home with her daughter, Raelene, grandson, Zackary, and Jerry Scoles lovingly by her side. She was born July 28, 1939, to Claude E. Rhead and Sarah I. Rhead. She grew up on the family farm in Woodville, Idaho with her sister and three brothers. As a child she loved making houses, furniture and dolls from clay, sticks and flowers. As a young woman she enjoyed playing softball, swimming and dancing. She also played the piano and trombone. She attended school in Shelley, Idaho, graduating from Shelley HS in 1957. She then attended Rick’s College where she graduated with the first registered nursing class in 1959. After 20 years as an RN she went back to college and graduated with a Master’s Degree in Nursing from the University of Washington as a Geriatric Nurse Practitioner. She then worked at Mira Vista Nursing Home, Elderscreen, and finished her nursing career at Tulalip Tribes Health Clinic. The patients, their families, and her co-workers at Tulalip became a second family as she cared for them, grew to love them, and continued her relationships with them after retiring. An active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she enjoyed working in her many different callings. She also served as president for the National Conference of Geriatric Nurse Practitioners and was a member of the Northwestern Region Soroptimist. On April 4, 1959 she married Raphael L. Richards. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Seattle LDS Temple. They raised their two daughters in Seattle, Washington. In 1978 they moved to Stanwood. She and Raphael loved adventure and travel, often teamed with sister, Carol, and Robert Girton. They rode a camel to the pyramids in Egypt, walked on the Great Wall of China, toured cathedrals in Europe, rafted the Salmon River, took a Caribbean cruise and had many other adventures together with family and friends. She also enjoyed crafts, reading, and gardening. She loved spending time with her family and always had a home filled with love and laughter. She faced the end as a warrior spending her last days of health visiting with all her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and then choosing to pass in her own home. Even though it is hard for us to let her go, we are all grateful for the example she set, the love she gave and the wonderful memories we each have. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Raphael L. Richards; daughters Tamera (Michael) Ludwig of San Antonio, TX, and Raelene Richards(Jerry Scoles) of Stanwood, WA; brothers, Douglas Rhead of Pocatello, ID and Robert (Marlene) Rhead of Meridian, ID; sister-in-law Ruth Rhead of Salt Lake City, UT; sister Carol (Robert) Girton of Idaho Falls, ID; 6 grandchildren, Brennon Ludwig, Michelle (Jonny) Riendeau, Shaneen Ludwig, Jerreth Ludwig, Kyler Ludwig, Zackary Scoles; 2 great grandchildren, Jonny Jr and Emily Rae Riendeau; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Claude E. Rhead and Sarah I Rhead of Idaho Falls, ID; brother William Rhead of Salt Lake City, UT, sister in-law Raeola Rhead of Pocatello, ID. The rest of the family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Raelene, Zackary, and Jerry for the sacrifice, devotion and tender loving care they gave her throughout her illness. Also thanks to the caregivers from Providence Hospice for their help and support during her final days. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 pm Saturday, April 26, 2014 at Fielding Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will visit with friends from 6:30-8 p.m. Friday at Wood Funeral Home (273 N. Ridge Ave.)