Donna Ruth Olsen Richards

Donna Ruth Olsen Richards died June 25th, but not before leaving her family and friends a million wonderful memories and a host of lessons on how to live.

Donna was born a farm girl in Young Ward, Utah, to Louie Jensen Olsen and Kenneth Olsen. She developed a love of adventure while riding the Logan hills on her horse Flash, and a love of music while playing trombone in her high school band. After high school she moved to Idaho Falls, Idaho, where she met and married LaFoy J. Richards and began raising a family. She was a devoted member of the LDS church.

Donna pursued parallel, successful careers as a mother and a business manager. As a businesswoman, she broke through glass ceilings for women as a manager for two major corporations, was a trusted friend and mentor to her staff, and treated janitors with equal respect as CEOs.  

As a mother, she considered her children to be her greatest accomplishments.  She taught by example the importance of kindness, empathy, a strong work ethic, and always supporting and encouraging those you love–both in word and deed. 

Her curiosity and spirit of adventure took her across oceans and continents, and whether passing through or putting down roots she made lasting friends along the way. 

Donna was a beautiful and inspirational woman who will be remembered by everyone she met, but most lovingly by her children, Jana, Evan (Kathleen), Terry (Karen), and Allison (Barry). Her eldest son, Brent, preceded her in death. She was also a blessing to her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren, a best friend to her sister, and loved by her brothers. Her last lesson to her children was to never let people dear to you leave without saying goodbye and letting them know they are loved.

Thanks to Bee Hive Homes in East Millcreek. Everyday they made sure she was lovely, comfortable, and well cared for.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Neighborhood House at http://nhutah.org/donations/

A celebration of her life will be held on July 1^st from 6-8 p.m. at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, where complimentary valet parking will be provided on the north side of the building. A visitation is scheduled on July 2^nd at 10:00AM and funeral services will begin at 11:00AM at the Holladay 18th Ward chapel, 2625 E. Milo Way, Holladay, Utah. Interment will be at Ucon Cemetery in Idaho on July 3^rd at 1:00PM