Arlene Richards, 93

Richards, Arlene Mae, 93

Arlene Mae Richards slipped quietly away to be with Jesus on the morning of Aug. 20, 2021, at the age of 93. She was born in Denver, Colo., on April 30, 1928 to John and Nell Nagy. She had one younger sister, Louise. As a small child, she lived through the hardships of the Depression Era. As a teen, she attended Denver High School where she was a cheerleader and graduated with honors.

After graduating from high school at the age of 18, Arlene moved, by herself, to southern California to live with her aunt and start a new life away from the cold Denver winters. There she met Lynn W. “Sam” Richards, a Navy Veteran and Long Beach Motor Patrolman. They were married in 1952 and had two children, Jim and Janelle.

In 1967, after Sam retired, Arlene and her family moved to Coeur d’Alene, and back to the cold winters! She was a full-time homemaker, a devoted wife, and a loving mother and grandmother. She enjoyed sewing, crocheting, gardening, cooking, and her grandchildren. She won a grand champion ribbon at the North Idaho Fair for her daughter’s wedding dress, something she was very proud of.

After her husband passed away in 1997, Arlene became active at the Lake City Senior Center and joined the Rambling Rovers Senior Group. She traveled to many wonderful places and made many new friends. As she aged, she loved being with family.

Arlene is survived by her son, Jim Richards (Connie); daughter, Janelle Whaley (Jim); four grandchildren: Jaime Bennett, LeAnne Kruger, Seth Whaley, and Travis Richards; 12 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren on the way.

Arlene was an outgoing, loving woman who loved her family, friends, and her life. We will miss you, Mom and Grandma! We all love you very much.

A viewing for Arlene will be held at 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, at Yates Funeral Home – Coeur d’Alene Chapel, 744 N. 4th Street with a graveside service will follow at 1 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, at Riverview Cemetery in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

A special thank you to all the staff at North Star Assisted Living for the awesome care you have given our mom the last few years especially during her recent illness. We are forever grateful!

Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with final arrangements. Please visit Arlene’s online memorial at yatesfuneralhomes.com