Doris Ann Richards
April 18, 1948 - February 20, 2019
Doris Ann Vondrasek Richards was born April 18, 1948, in Ravanna, Ohio to Ralph and Doris (Broz) Vondrasek. She passed away in Salt Lake City, Utah, February 20, 2019. Her passing was sudden, due to complications related to cancer.
She began her college studies at Hiram College in Hiram, Ohio. She resided in Nelson, Ohio until moving to Utah where she completed her Bachelor's and MBA Degrees at the University of Utah. She worked for Kmart Corp in the advertising department where she met Scott Richards. They were married on April 8, 1977. They had one child (Sarah) who she loved and devoted her life to.
Doris loved to make people and horses happy. She cared so deeply for the ones she loved and always put herself last. She had a grand love for animals. She would have adopted every stray pet in the world if she could. And she did try.
She was a big believer in volunteering; volunteering many hours for the American Saddlebred Horse Association, Back Country Horseman; and the Sandy Amphitheater.
Doris is survived in death by her spouse Scott; her daughter: Sarah (Anthony) and Grandson: Mason. She is also survived by many loving friends that are more like family.
We are holding a celebration of Doris' life on March 8, 2019 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Stark’s Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Please bring your favorite memories and thoughts of Doris. Guests are encouraged to use the complimentary valet parking on the north side of the building. As in her manor; there will be drinks and light refreshments.
In lieu of flowers, Doris’s family asks that you make a donation to a reputable charity of your choice in Doris’s name. Doris had a soft spot for the Humane Society, The Golden Retriever Rescue, Best Friends Sanctuary and horse rescues.
In Loving Memory
My condolences go out to Doris' family at this difficult time. She has been a friend of mine for many years from our KMart days. We will all miss her at our monthly luncheons. She was a very special person. RIP my dear friend.
Sweet Doris. Doris always felt like part of our Simpson family, she has been part of every milestone in our history as she has been the truest friend to my sister, Kimberly, for 45 years. The three of us shared an apartment in 1975. Doris was the most genuine, brilliant, self effacing woman. The last time I saw Doris she did what Doris always did- put others in the limelight. She dismissed that her health and life was anything but perfect- she opened her cell phone and began showing photos of her Sarah and grandson Mason and said she and Scott could not be happier. She beamed that Doris smile and her eyes sparkled with delight. Sweet Doris! We have been blessed to have shared so many of our years and life with Doris. Our family sends heartfelt sympathy to Scott and Sarah. We also send our tender thanks for sharing her with us all these years- what a privilege. Bethany Simpson Johnson and the Simpson Families
Doris and I were best buddies in the MBA program. We sat together, wrote papers together, and helped each other keep our sanity through four years of intense work. I learned a lot about KMART in the process. She was pregnant with Sarah when we graduated, and a couple of years later, I met Sarah. Doris was so happy about becoming a Mom! Scott and Sarah, I'm so sorry to hear that she's gone. I tried to get in touch with her a few months ago, when I saw a comment she made about horses in Dimple Dell. So sorry I didn't get a chance to reconnect. (Scott, you probably remember me as Sharon Sutton.)
We love your family so much. Thank you for making us part of your family years ago. We have had a bond from the beginning and I cannot imagine our lives without the Richards in it! Go Utes!
Scott and Sarah I am so sorry to hear about Doris. I worked with her at Kmart. She was my boss, mentor and friend. She will be missed. Laurie Fiedel
I always loved Dorothy's smile it could light up a room. I was fortunate to see here near the end of January and we had a lovely conversation. She was a special spirit. I will miss her with all my heart.
I am so sorry for your loss! I met Doris at the first Saddlebred trail competition my husband attended. She was very kind to both of us as she explained how the competition worked. Each year after she was very welcoming. Next we worked together on various Dimple Dell Regional Park projects. I enjoyed her knowledge, enthusiasm, and warm personality very much. My donation will go to the Dimple Dell Preservation Community. Sandra Haak
My deepest condolences for your loss. Doris was an amazing woman and her love of animals was deeply felt by all who knew her. It was always a treat to run into her at Dimple Dell while riding or participating in the competitive trail ride. She will be sorry missed.
Dear Doris, how much I've loved our lunches! Our friendship has meant so much to me and your dignity and grace through your illness has taught me so much! I love you and will miss you so very much! Ride with wind, my friend!
In Loving Memory
