Elaine Richards, long time resident of Miles City, passed away October 21st at her home after a short illness. She was 90.
She was born June 30,1931 in Miles City to parents Andrew and Gladys Strand. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bryce Richards, brother Clarence Strand and her parents.
Elaine spent her entire life as a resident of Miles City. She attended Custer County elementary schools and CCHS. She met Bryce Richards in high school and they were married on July 16,1950.
Elaine was the ultimate “stay at home” mom, raising 7 children and helping them with school projects, piano lessons, 4H projects, Cub Scouts, band preparations, to name only a few, and cooking for 9 people every single day. She would wake the children for church on Sunday morning by calling up the stairs, “I bought 6 maple bars and there’s 7 of you!”. Because the household responsibilities were always so numerous, her children remember her cleaning and vacuuming in the middle of the night. She was probably sleep deprived because with every car trip, Elaine would sit in the front passenger seat fast asleep while Bryce zipped down the Montana highway at 100 mph.
Elaine worked for the dentist, Dr. Nansel, during the first few years of her marriage. She sold Avon after that “in her spare time” and was a favored neighborhood “Avon Lady”. She always had her stash of money for gifts, emergencies, and “pocket money” for her children. She was active in and a faithful member of First Baptist Church.
Elaine is survived by her 7 children, Brenda, Chuck (Denise), Janelle Laird (Steve), Marlys Hogan (Bob), Ron (Sandy), Rand (Yvonne), and Gary (Tammy), 16 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, and her beloved Kiki cat.
A visitation will be held Thursday, October 28th from 1pm-5pm at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral Services will be Friday, October 29th at 10 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Miles City. Burial will follow at Custer County Cemetery with a luncheon provided at the church afterwards.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in her name can be made to First Baptist Church in Miles City.
Condolences to the family can be sent to www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Thursday October 28, 2021
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Friday October 29, 2021
First Baptist Church
914 Palmer Street
Miles City , Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Thursday October 28, 2021
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Friday October 29, 2021
First Baptist Church
914 Palmer Street
Miles City , Montana 59301
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Mark Hilderbrand says
To the Richards family. We are so saddened by your loss. Elain was a great lady and a great gardener. We pray that the Lord will hold you all in his hand and give you the peace that you need in this time of sadness.
Mark and Ann
Dale Valach says
How sad it is to learn of Elaine’s passing. She was such a patient sole. So many of us kids continually roared through her house back in the day and she never uttered so much as one word of disapproval. I am sorry for your loss and pray that all of the Richards family will find comfort knowing that she is at peace and once again with Bryce.
Dale
Dolores Meidinger Willson says
Brenda and all the Richards family-
I am so sorry to see that your Mother has passed on. May all your memories shared with her comfort and keep you.
MARTHA CRANDALL says
my sympathy
Garth Sleight says
Brenda, I’m so sorry to see the passing of your mom! She was always so kind any time I saw her. All my best to you and your family.
Ruben and June Opp says
To all the Richard families, What a shock to see where your mom has passed on to her heavenly reward and to join her beloved husband Bryce,and many family members throughout the years.Please know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers as you lay your lovely mother to rest.She was always such a very gentle person.She will be missed by you all but remember she will always be watching over you as a mother hen watches over younguns.
Ruben and June Opp
Tom and Norene Peterson says
Elaine was a very caring and sweet cousin. She will be missed by all. Sending hugs and prayers to all the Richards.
Kevin and Sheila Krausz says
So saddened to hear that Elaine passed away. May your memories of her bring you comfort. Prayers for you all.
David Roll says
I remember fondly several summers spending time with Elaine and her family–she was always very tolerant with the antics of a ten-year old. As I grew older, I came to appreciate even more her many fine qualities.
She had a good life and I will miss her–just wish I could have gone to her 90th birthday party.
Wanda Bankey says
Chuck and family so sorry for your loss. I remember her from ordering Avon. She always was so nice. Praying for you.
Ray and Terri Schmidt says
We were so sorry to see that your mom passed away. I always thought she was such a classy lady and she and your dad raised some amazing kids. Please know you are all in our thoughts during this difficult time.
Darbie Karch says
So sorry to hear of the passing of Elaine. She was such a sweet gal and always enjoyed visiting with her. Cherish the memories as you get through this difficult time.
Denise Harvey says
What am elegant and sweet person!
She will be missed by all who love her and know her.
Denise Harvey
Karen Strand Winslow says
I love seeing the great memories other friends, cousins, other relatives have of our Aunt Elaine. We all agree, such a kind generous lady, a model for us all. Her smile!! Her patience!! Her beauty. I always wanted to be like her. She loved her big brother my dad and her sister, Aunt Mildred, so much—not to mention her own husband and children and the aunts and grannies for whom she cared so well. Brenda, as you daily companion for years and years, know that she is still with you. And our hearts go out to all of you, Chuck, Janelle, Marlys, Ronnie, Randy, and Gary—and yours. She had to have be as wonderful of a grama as she was a mom.
Love, Karen Strand Winslow—in honor of Elaine Strand Richards
Libby Mathers Gardner says
Thoughts are with all of you as you gather to honor your mother. My memories associated with her, both from my childhood “across the alley” and my adult years seeing her at concerts and in the community are those of a kind and smiling person. And I do remember those Avon Lady visits and the little tubes of lipstick she would share.
Sandy & Bob Short says
It is sad to have Elaine gone from us. Upon first meeting her in 1970, I couldn’t believe that she had 7 children, as she was so slim and stylish. Over the years I learned that she was always so kind to everyone. I can’t even imagine that she ever yelled at her children, but you must have deserved it occasionally. You were blessed to have her all of these years. Her memory will be close to you and guide you.
Pam Rogge says
My condolences and prayers to Elaine’s family at this time and in the days ahead. Cherish the memories.
Sherryl Strand says
Ted and Sherryl Strand, We are so sad at the loss here on earth of such a wonderful lady. She was so kind, caring, beautiful inside and out, the best smile. We always felt so welcome when we visited, she was the best hostess. We will miss her. Our prayers are with you all at such a great loss.
Herm and Diane Venable says
To the Richards family, we express our sympathy. We met Elaine in the 70s at First Baptist and remember her well as a kind and loving woman. Heaven is richer but we are left poorer
Diona Austill says
I’m so sorry to see that Elaine is gone. So glad I got to spend time with her at her 90th birthday party. She was such a lovely soul. I’ll keep you all in my prayers.
Diona
Helen Johnsen deines says
I am so sorry to see this.
Wayne Hodgson says
Gary,
Your mother was such a kind person. My condolences to you and your family.
Reggie Thompson says
My condolences to the Richards family in the passing of your beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother. And the loss of a wonderful aunt and sister. Many are grateful for the 90th birthday celebration held this summer (including my mom, Mildred, who was Elaine’s sister). Our prayers go out to family for God’s peace and grace during this loss (but believe she is in a better place).
Karen Losing says
Dear Brenda and Family,
So sorry to hear about the loss of your Mom. Mothers are so precious and I know you will miss her a lot. Whenever I’d see her, she had a beautiful smile on her face. What a lovely lady. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time.