Susan L. Richey
October 27, 1945 - May 15, 2025

Susan Louise Simonds Richey passed away May 15, 2025 with her husband and daughters by her side. She was born in New Jersey on October 27, 1945 and raised in Texas. Soon after earning her nursing degree, she met Gary Dale Richey and quickly knew she had met her best friend and life partner. They were married in 1970 and moved to Utah from 1973-2008, where they raised 2 daughters: Jennifer Richey Freeman and Sarah Richey Bell.
Susan’s nursing career was varied, from a bedside nurse at a prominent cancer hospital, to an office OB/Gyn nurse, to a hospital cardiac care unit. After the birth of their second child, she left her nursing career behind to be a full-time mother and wife.
Along with her family, she became an avid outdoor enthusiast, focusing on alpine and Nordic skiing plus snowshoeing in the winter, and camping, hiking, sailing, and fishing in the summer. She was always enthusiastic about travel and was often the inspiration for their myriad international trips: all 7 continents and multiple bareboat sailing charters, mostly in the Caribbean.
Susan’s lifelong spiritual beliefs deepened with an extended time in Bible Study Fellowship and she was a leader there for a number of years. She was very active with Cottonwood Presbyterian Church, serving multiple terms as deacon, elder, and Sunday School teacher. Her deep belief in God led to another practical career for her – hospital chaplain and, for 15 years, a hospice Chaplain. She found this a very profound experience.
With her and Dale’s retirement, their love of Colorado in general and Steamboat Springs in particular culminated in moving there full time for the last 16 years. The outdoors continued their allure on a daily basis, enhanced by 12 years touring the west in a travel trailer.
Her outdoor life was supplemented with reading (at one time being in 3 book clubs simultaneously) and volunteer activities ranging from the Strings Music Guild, Yampa Valley Medical Center Hospital Ethics Committee, and the Colorado Crane Conservation Coalition. She remained very active until a Traumatic Brain Injury irreversibly changed her life in October, 2022.
She is survived by her husband Dale, daughters Jen Freeman (Drew), Sarah Richey Bell (Dave), grandsons Jacob, Nathan, Charlie, Henry as well as siblings Stewart Simonds, Nancy Linenschmidt, Anne Lowe, Louise Brummett. A celebration of her life will be held this summer at a date to be determined.
She will be remembered for her total devotion to her family, her belief in God, her service to others, and her dedication to helping those who are struggling. Dale shall particularly remember her for her steadfast love, strong sense of adventure, her ability to make friends, and her unceasing compassion.
In Loving Memory
Dearest Dale: It has been such an honor and a blessing to have spent so many special times with you and Susan over the past 18 years. It is with deep sadness that we bid her farewell and we pray for your strength and perseverance in the days ahead. We join all those who love you and your family and we offer our continued presence and support not only today, but in the months and years to come.
Diane and Mike McCrann
Fort Collins, CO
I will remember our walks around the circle as I asked for Susan’s help navigating ethical medical dilemmas. I will remember Susan’s determination in engaging physically, mentally, and spiritually despite her injury. Dale and Susan continue to be my model in representing selfless love in a marriage. The compassion, commitment, and love that I witnessed in your whole family will be a lasting memory. 🤍 May the love, light, and new life in Christ fill your hearts in this time.
Lydia
Steamboat Springs, CO
Dear Dale and Family, It has been a long time since we were Lantern Hill neighbors. We are deeply saddened by the news of Susan's passing. We have so many memories of happy times shared with you and Susan both here in Utah and in Colorado. We send you our sincerest condolences and love. Bari and Nina
Bari and Nina Levine
Sandy, UT
Dr. Richey, I am so sorry for your loss. I have thought of you and your family often and was actually looking you up to see if you were still in Steamboat Springs as we are going they there this summer. I just happened upon this when I searched. Susan was a wonderful lady and will be very missed. Give my love to your daughters and family and know you are in our thoughts and prayers
Danya Glenn
Salt Lake City, Utah