Theresa (Tessie) May Richardson, 68

Theresa (Tessie) May Richardson, 68, of Hayden, Idaho, passed away Sunday, Oct. 4, 2015, peacefully in her sleep. She was a beloved daughter, sister, mother, grandma, aunt and friend.

The oldest of three children, Theresa was born on Jan. 23, 1947, in Spokane, Wash., to Thomas and Flora Richardson. Right out of the cradle Theresa loved kids, dogs and horses. Growing up she enjoyed playing games with her brothers, riding her horse “Red” around Worley and in the mountains, and always had a dog by her side to keep her company.

Theresa graduated from Worley High School in 1965. She was blessed with a daughter in 1968. As a single mother she went on to attend college at North Idaho College and completed her Bachelor of Arts in home economics from Eastern Washington University.

Theresa’s career choices were always dedicated to helping others, from working with children as an extension agent for Spokane County Extension Office with the 4-H program, to helping low income families as a Food Stamp Outreach worker at Catholic Charities, to the elderly as a certified Nursing Assistant at Good Samaritan Nursing Home. Her desire to help others went beyond the workplace as she volunteered at local charity organizations in her community. She easily made friends, was very involved in the gleaners in North Idaho, was very generous with her time and talents to her many friends, making a point to always bring a gift whenever she went to visit them, and enjoyed her church family at the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Rathdrum.

Theresa shared her desire to help others — as well as her love of horses and dogs — with her daughter, granddaughters and great-grandchildren. Theresa will be remembered for her willingness to help anyone in need. A positive outlook, seeking joy in life, and “choosing happy” were guiding principles. Fishing, her pets, reading, sewing and gardening were some of the things she enjoyed. Prized gifts were homemade fudge or pickled treats she made each December. An excellent cook, her special recipe Fried Chicken and infamous macaroni salad were a staple at most family gatherings. Theresa enjoyed making fresh drop doughnuts every fall for the annual VFW Apple Cider pressing and sale. Theresa treasured every moment she spent with her granddaughters and great-grandchildren, oftentimes joining in their activities.

Theresa demonstrated a capacity to love without limits and show compassion to anyone in need. She will remain in our hearts and memories always. She is survived by her daughter, Lynette Richardson of Roy, Wash.; granddaughter Trista Richardson of Roy, Nicole Robertson-Victor and husband Sean of Fort Carson, Colo., Lacey Huntley and husband Jeremy of Roy; great-granddaughter Caleigh Richardson-Jones and great-grandsons Westyn and Wyett Huntley; brothers Donald Richardson and wife Christy, Gerald Richardson and wife Janet; and nieces and nephews.

Theresa was preceded in death by her father, Thomas Richardson on Oct. 16, 2000, and mother Flora Richardson on Nov. 14, 2014.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, 2015, at Hayden Lake Seventh-day Adventist Church, 12940 N. Government Way, Hayden. Burial will be at a later date in Colfax, Wash.

Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit Theresa’s online memorial and sign her guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.