Jessie Davis Richards, 99, passed away Friday, December 24, 2010 at her son's home in Ogden. Lived at 1460 Marilyn Drive, Ogden. She was born September 12, 1911, in Salt Lake City, Utah, a daughter of Oliver Lee and Sarah Ann Harding Davis. She was educated in Provo, Utah. She worked for Mountain States Telephone Company as a switchboard operator and LDS and St. Mark's Hospital as a nutritionist prior to her marriage. Jessie married Ben Franklin Richards on January 29, 1938 in Coalville, Utah. He preceded her in death November 25, 1997. Jessie was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in Primary, Jr. Sunday School and as Compassionate Service Leader in the Malan's Peak Ward, where she was a member for 55 years. At the time of her death, she was a member of the Country Hills Ward. Jessie had a beautiful alto singing voice and cherished her experience with the Chauntenetts Provo Women's Chorus Group for two years, performing throughout Utah. She enjoyed being part of a book club, reading church publications and her membership in civic organizations. Jessie had many pleasures in life including swimming in her youth, canning, needlework and entertaining. Her family will always remember what a wonderful cook she was, putting on many grand meals for various holidays and gatherings. She loved spending time with her grandkids, playing games and reading to them. She had a strong love for her family, and they were the pride and joy of her life. She was an immaculate housekeeper and enjoyed gardening in her beautiful yard. She is survived by her children, Robert (Colleen) Richards, Provo, UT; Lee (Vicki) Richards, Uintah, UT; Lynn (Colleen) Richards, Ogden, UT; Stewart (Carol) Richards, Ogden, UT; and George (Pam) Richards, Chillicothe, OH; 20 grandkids, 57 great-grandkids and five great-great-grandkids. Preceding Jessie in death were three brothers, two sisters, one grandson and one great-grandson. The family would like to thank Dr. Glen Biddulph, Crestwood Care Center, and Advocate Hospice (Kenna, Lindsey, Mike and Rex) for their tender care during her final weeks. Funeral services will be held Monday, Jan. 3, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at the Country Hills Ward Chapel, 1401 Country Hills Dr., Ogden, with Bishop Nate Pierce officiating. Family will meet friends at the Ward Chapel on Monday from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. Interment, Lindquist's Washington Heights Memorial Park, 4500 Washington Blvd. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Lindquist's Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd., Ogden, UT. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.lindquistmortuary.com


Published in Deseret News on January 2, 2011