Alma Jean Richards

July 3, 1924 — Nov. 12, 2008

MONTROSE — Alma Jean Richards, age 84, of Montrose, passed away at her home on Wednesday morning, Nov. 12, 2008. Jean was born July 3, 1924 to Fred and Hazel (Lung) Martin in Custer City, Okla. Jean’s childhood was spent in various towns, because her father was a mechanic and the family moved where work was available. She met and married James W. Richards on Feb. 11, 1940 in Telluride, Colo. Jim preceded Jean in death on June 6, 1989 in Montrose, Colo., just short of celebrating 50 years of marriage.

Jim and Jean relocated to Montrose from Telluride in 1950 and made their home in Montrose until her time of death. She worked for many years for J.C. Penneys and then for Conrad’s Department Store until her retirement in 1989. Jean was a member of the Montrose Christian Church. She loved people and enjoyed being with friends. Jean was an outgoing person and would often visit the hospital and nursing homes reaching out to help and assist others in need. She loved spending time with her family and grandchildren. They were special to her and she will be greatly missed by them. Jean was an excellent cook who loved to make her favorite homemade dishes.

Survivors include her son, James Richards and wife Pam of Thorton, Colo; daughter, Eloise Venezio (Russ) of Montrose, Colo; brother, Fred Martin (Diane) of Topeka, Kan.; sister, Faye Fisher of Montrose, Colo; six grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; two great great-grandchildren.  Jean was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Jim and an older brother, Wilford Martin. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimers Association, in memory of Jean Richards, 2232 N. 7th Street, Suite B1, Grand Junction, CO 81501. 

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2008, at 2 p.m., at the Montrose Christian Church. There will be a public visitation for family and friends one hour prior to the service, from 1 to 2 p.m., on Saturday, Nov. 15 at the Montrose Christian Church. Burial will follow the service at Valley Lawn Cemetery, south of Montrose. The service will conclude at the cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Crippin Funeral Home, 802 E. Main, Montrose, CO 81401  (970) 249-2121.