Eugenie E. (Johnson) Richards was born on January 18, 1920, in Red Lodge, Montana, to Louis and Barbara (Bessie) (Berniunas) Johnson. Her parents came to America from Lithuania. Eugenie was the third born of four siblings; Virginia Nunner, Louise O’Leary and Victor Johnson. Lithuanian was the main language spoken in their household, and the children did not learn English until they started school.
Eugenie attended schools in the Joliet area, riding six miles one way on horseback for her high school years. She attended college in Billings at what was then known as Normal School, now known as MSU-Billings. She obtained her teaching degree at the age of eighteen. Shortly thereafter, she and her sister, Virginia, obtained Civil Service jobs in Washington, DC, for a short time. It wasn’t long before Eugenie tired of the crowds and clamor of the big city and longed for the open spaces and familiar faces of her friends, especially the handsomely rugged countenance of a certain cowboy named John Richards. She and Virginia returned to Montana. A teaching position was waiting for her at the Ridge School, and she soon chose a family with whom to board. She rode horseback to and from school (12 miles!) Once when asked ‘what happened when you couldn’t make it?’, she replied, “I always made it.”
In 1941, she married John Richards, the love of her life. After a few years of herding sheep in the Alzada area, they moved to Broadus where John started driving truck and Eugenie continued her very long and dedicated teaching career.
She taught in rural schools in Powder River County for ten years and began teaching in the Broadus school system and continued there for 38 years… 12 years in the elementary and for 26 years in the high school as teacher and librarian, retiring in 1986. After testing the retirement waters for a few years, she decided to get back into the education field and began working in the St. Labre school system as librarian for another ten years.
During her early years of teaching, she somehow managed to work many evenings and week-ends for Chester and Marge Onstad doing clerical work. All of this was on top of raising five children; Karen, Gary, David, Dennis and Michael and taking in out-of-town students needing a place to stay. She always treated those young people staying at her house like her own children.
Eugenie always enjoyed life. She loved animals…especially her dogs and horses and never missed an opportunity to ride horseback usually with the dog following. She enjoyed the times spent listening to John and his brothers and friends make music, and she and John loved dancing and also square dancing. Music was always a big part of their lives. Eugenie loved games including Cribbage, Scrabble, crossword puzzles and horseshoes. Whatever she participated in, she did so with all her heart and really enjoyed winning! She REALLY! enjoyed winning!
Eugenie was a wonderful wife, mother and a very special grandmother. She was very devoted to her family and truly lived for all of them. She was a wonderful cook, enjoyed sewing, knitting and crocheting, and she always managed to raise a wonderful garden.
Eugenie passed away on November 24, 2016, at the Powder River Manor in Broadus, Montana, where she had resided for the last three years and where she received wonderful, loving care. Eugenie was preceded in death by her husband, John, her parents, Louise O’Leary (sister), Victor Johnson (brother), four grandsons (Terry Mader, Davy Richards, Ronnie Richards and Scott Richards)and one great grandson (Traven Trusler). She is survived by her five children; Karen (Dallas) Gaskill, Gary (Lana) Richards, David (Carole) Richards, Dennis Richards and Michael Richards. Her surviving grandchildren are Robin Campbell, Brookney Haag, Tana Gildea, Jennifer Woods, Raquel Characklis, Vanessa Richards, Jeannie Traub, Rakki Richards-Gooding, Laurie Christopherson, Karla Marinko, Jeff Considine, Shawn Richards, Vikki Klemm, Amos Williams, Michaela and Nikolaus Richards, and 35 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 1, 2016 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Broadus with family receiving friends from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 2, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Faith Bible Church in Broadus. Interment will follow in the Valley View Cemetery. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Broadus is in charge of the arrangements.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Henry Malley Memorial Library, Powder River Manor, Powder River High School Library or to the charity of one’s choice.
*Note: This article was written as a family effort involving her children and grandchildren. We are confident that if our mother/grandmother was here to read this, she would have her red pen in hand making corrections!
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday December 1, 2016
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
101 E. Wilson
Broadus, MT
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday December 1, 2016
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
101 E. Wilson
Broadus, MT
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Shawn, Wendy, Brandy, Gabby, Ronnie and John says
You will be missed dearly Grandma… Love you always!!
Carol Schneidt says
My thoughts and prayers are with all of the Richards family! She was a great lady and one of my favorite teachers in high school.
Dave McCurdy says
Karen, Gary, David, Dennis & Mike…..and your families…….I am truly sorry for your loss. I will always remember her as being demanding, tough, fair and understanding, although she did not have as much patience with Dennis as with the rest of us. She was a wonderful teacher and I will always remember her as just that. She had a lot of influence on a lot of students and was particularly good teaching all of you to use your mind in playing word scrabble, crossword puzzles and cribbage.
Bub and Carlene Gaskill says
Condolences to all the Richards family.
Tom & Ann Emmons says
Dear Dave and Carole, we are so sorry to hear that your Mom passed away. We will always have fond memories of our years as her student. She was one of a kind!
Carmen Knutson says
To the Richards Family,
My deepest sympathy on your loss. I will remember her as a wicked good card player. We still talk about her high bids in 500 Club. Cherish your memories, hugs and prayers!
Gerald and Janet Himelspach says
To the Richards family we send our deepest sympathy. We will always remember her as a great friend. May your memories comfort you.
SALLY A. BORLA says
I AM VERY SAD TO HEAR OF DEAR JEAN–MY SECOND MOM-LEAVING THIS WORLD BUT SHE IS AT PEACE NOW AND ALL SUFFERING HAS ENDED. SHE IS WITH HER BELOVED HUSBAND JOHN NOW IN HEAVEN AND I HOPE WE ALL MEET AGAIN SOMEDAY. THEY WERE SO GOOD TO ME AND HOW LUCKY WAS I TO STILL HAVE THEM HERE IN BROADUS AFTER BEING AWAY FOR 37 YEARS. LOVE TO ALL THE FAMILY AND GOD BLESS.
Jerry and Joyce Strobel says
I do have to smile as I read the messages sent through this route. It is fun to hear people share their great memories of having MRS. RICHARDS as their teacher. So many over many years were taught by her. And then our best memories come as we get to our son—the next generation that she taught. It is such a blessing to have those dear memories be shared.
May each of your smiles be many as you rejoice in Mom, Grandma, Loved One from many directions! And as the years go by you will remember and remember again. Blessings to you in the Lord, Jerry and Joyce
LeAnn Rhodes says
So very greatful for wonderful memories of Eugenie when we moved to Broadus in the sixties and my dad, Kel Robinson worked for John at the Don Ward shop. Our families have enjoyed friendships throughout all these years with me especially enjoying time spent at the dinner table with this grand lady while sharing our day at the manor.
Dorothy Taylor says
As we all celebrate the life of Jeannie, let us remember her with a smile on our faces. She was a wonderful teacher, strict and not so strict at times. Hugs to the children, grand children and all relatives. Prayers to you all at this time of sorrow. RIP
Tom & Ann Emmons says
Karen, Gary, Dave, Dennis, Mike and families. Our condolences during this difficult time. Your mom was a very special woman. We have always admired her! May your memories ease your sadness.
Bill and Kathy Alderman says
So sorry to hear the news, we were truly blessed to have Eugenie be a part of our life growing up. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Bob and Carolyn Traub says
So sorry to hear of Aunt Jeans passing! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all!
Laura Lee Ullrich says
Sending hugs and prayers for all of the Richards family. Eugenie was a special lady. Seemed like she had a hard side until you spent more time with her and her kind gentle spirit was revealed. I loved to play cards with her years ago. She was the most proud of her kids and grandkids. Her memories will live on in so many people’s hearts!
Tim and Gaylene Fortner says
We are sorry about Jeanie, we have fun memories of her. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Darlene (Flanigan) Songer says
Thoughts, prayers, and hugs to all the Richards family. My memories are mostly of her as a teacher. She was tough, but when you learned something from Gene, you learned and didn’t forget it. She was a great teacher. RIP, Gene. You will truly be missed and your memories will remain in the hearts of all who loved you.
Sharon Borla says
My condolences to the Richards family. Jean was an amazing woman. She will always be remembered as one of my favorite high school teachers. She was strong on discipline but also generous with praise and encouragement. She loved her family, her students, and her community. She will be missed by so many. May she Rest In Peace. Cling to the happy memories.
Pam & Dave Nisley says
We echo the previous comments…..Dave knew her well, and admired her as his teacher ( and I think she had her hands full with him!!!) He tells of unplugging a row of electric typewriters with his foot…..If I recall correctly Mrs. Richards had a ruler, and she used it from time to time…..Dave was a recipient , and well deserved!!! I knew and loved her as a friend, and a faithful follower of Christ 🙂 I am thankful she has touched my life, and my prayers go out to all her loved ones, for the Peace of Jesus to carry you through the coming months. Because of her faith in Jesus, we know she is in Heaven 🙂 The wonderful reward for everyone who puts their trust in Him!!! Hugs to all of you!!!
Dan & Sheri Gali says
So very sorry to hear of Aunt Jean’s passing, the suffering is over and she is now with her loved ones in Heaven…hugs to all the family !
Kelly Daoang says
Dennis, Gary, David, Karen and Mike, my heartfelt condolences go out to you and all of the family. I have many memories of Aunt Gene that I will treasure for every! Thank you for sharing Aunt Gene with me always , for that I am truly grateful ?May she Rest In Peace ? Aunt Gene was a very incredible woman and I’m proud to have had what time I shared with her ?
Lenora Knapp says
My Blessings to all Aunt Genes Family. Arnie and I stayed at her house in Brodus for a week about 1967. Wonderful lady Will always be remembered and loved by our family. God Bless all. Lenora Richards Knapp
Kimberly Kay Wash Hostetter says
She was Mrs. Richards at school but Aunt Jean everywhere else. She was gentle and tough. She was one of a kind and will be greatly missed. Love and condolences to Karen, Gary, Dave, Dennis, Harv and families.
~Kim, Jeff and family
Rhonda Traub says
To all Aunt Jeans Family, she was a very Dear & Sweet Aunt, I stayed at your place while going to high school and helped her clean and do yard work besides her being my Typing Instructor. She was a neat lady whom will be greatly missed! I am so sorry for your loss. Love & Hugs to you all.
Julie Gatlin and Kenny Gress says
Thoughts and prayers go out to the Richards family. She was the best teacher I ever had and she taught me a lot. Even after graduation, she always had a kind word for me whenever she saw me. She will be greatly missed. RIP dear friend.
Dale and Joanie Abbott says
Eugenie was a grand dame with a super warm personality. Joanie and I looked forward to seeing her everyday that we worked together at St. Labre. Rest in Peace wonderful lady. Condolences to Karen and family. God Bless
Laurie Claypool says
To all of Eugenia Richards family, I send my deepest sympathy! She was the high school librarian and I have fond memories of her! She will be greatly missed! Laurie Janssen Claypool
Doug & Tuffy Stewart says
To all of the family: Through the years whenever I would hear your mother’s name, it always brought warm thoughts to my hearts memory. She was a wonderful teacher and friend to all and had a tremendous influence on all our lives. I enjoyed through the years of being back home in Broadus and seeing your parents either separately or together. It always brought great joy, because you could tell their friendship and love for all of us never waivered.
And they taught that friendship to all you kids, our good friends for life, and we thank you and them for that friendship.
Our love and condolences to each of you and your family members.
Doug & Tuffy Stewart
Judy Denson-Keller says
My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to all the Richards’ family. Eugenie was a big part of my high school experience, whether she was teaching any type of business class, working on the yearbook, or keeping us in line when she was director in the IMC. She seemingly had a gruff, tough exterior, but once you got to know her, there was a woman with a heart of pure gold. If you did something that pleased, you were rewarded with a smile that just lit up her face. If she was displeased with you, she let you know with that stern, commanding voice. The last time I saw her was at a funeral of a good friend back in 2007. I felt a tug on my arm as we were walking through a crowd of people at the VFW at the time. I turned to see Eugenie’s smiling face and that devious glint in her eye. She wasn’t going to let me get away without a hello, and a hug. Eugenie was also another teacher who had a heart of gold. Even though she came off as gruff sometimes, she really cared about the students she taught. The community of Broadus has suffered yet another significant loss. We have lost three good teachers, who have touched and made a difference in so many lives, in the last two months. May God Bless and comfort all of you.
Judy Denson-Keller
Jim Coate says
A wonderful friend, neighbor, mentor, teacher, mother, and human being. Mrs. Richards raised not only a family but a faculty. When I began teaching in Broadus, she nurtured me and many others; she helped us, advised us, solved the mysteries of the thermafax copier, and made sure we had enough to eat. She and John were pillars of the community-David-you have my heartfelt condolences. Your mother was a great lady.
Bonnie Bogner Sprague says
I am sending love and prayers to all of the Richards family for you great loss of the matriarch of the family! She will be greatly missed by many. I have fond memories of having her as a teacher!
Connie (Earley) Watts says
To the Richards family: Sending good wishes and prayers for God’s comfort. I remember Mrs. Richards fondly – she was one of the best and most influential teachers I ever had. God bless her and all of you.
Sylvia Zimmer says
Loved your note at the bottom about the “red pen”!! Was sooo Mrs. Richards!! Loved the time I spent with your Mom first as my teacher, then riding horses and playing cards with her and last playing scrabble and being able to see her 5 days a week every morning in the Manor. She always had a smile for me and we had a nice discussion before our day started. Really missing her!! Lots of prayers of comfort for all of you as she spoke of the fond memories of family gathering very often. Love to all of you…. Darold and Sylvia
Susan Schulte Erlenbusch says
I remember her very well from my two years teaching at St. Labre. She always had a smile for everyone who walked into the library. Once in a while she would pull strings, and I could get a rush job on my classroom copies too. LOL
Valli Richards Fulton says
Keeping everyone in our thoughts and prayers. I bet there is a family reunion going on in Heaven!
Bev Schaffer says
Karen, Gary, David, Dennis and Mike, we are thinking of you all and praying for God’s comfort. Aunt Jean was my English teacher as a sophomore and I also worked with her as a library aide. We always got a long so well, I enjoyed being around her, as someone has already said she would let you know if you had displeased her, but she gave hugs and smiles often. Ed and I used to play cribbage with Aunt Jean and Uncle John and she most definitely was competitive! She will be missed! Our love to you all…. Ed and Bev
Aletta (Miller) & Randy Shannon says
To all the Richard Families~
May the many precious memories help ease your sorrow. Our sincere condolences~
Jim Moutrey says
Karen, Gary, David, Dennis and Mike. You had a great Mom who will surely be missed and you are all a testament to her and your Dad. Broadus is not the same without them. I already missed seeing your Dad and now your Mom. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Bert and Helen Woods says
Karen and the rest of the Richards family,
So sorry for your loss. May all of your many memories help you through this time.
Linda Nybakken says
Karen, Gary, David, Dennis, & Mike….You had a great Mom who had multitude of talents…A mom, wife, grandma, cook, seamstress, teacher, horse woman, leader, homemaker, card player, friend, office worker, librarian, and household manager. She was so proud of her immediate family as well as her extended family. The last couple of times I visited her at the the nursing home she appeared frail though her smile was strong and despite her 96 years she was a remarkably beautiful woman. Hope you all share these memories too. Linda & Don Nybakken
Ted and Cathy Elgin says
TO all of Jean’s family we send our sympathy. We are thinking of you all. We, too have many memories of high school classes and later on — when I worked at the school we had many lunches together at her house.
She would also come out to our house and we would ride horses usually to the Biddle arena and home again.
What interesting conversations we had!! She was a great person.
Rayetta Fjell says
Karen; ~ since we are in Billings & receive no daily paper I didn’t see this before this evening. Prayers are with you at this sad time. Mrs. Richards name came up in conversation this past summer as we (former students) discussed shorthand & typing class. I enjoyed working of the yearbook during high school ~ she was a great teacher. Rayetta [Schonenbach} Fjell
Yvonne Hanic says
Keeping Jean’s family in my thoughts and prayers. Great memories of Mrs. Richards from Powder River High School.
Vonnie Hanic
Audrey Snodgrass & Shane Wheeler says
Our prayers and condolences for your loss. Mrs. Richards was a nice lady.
Denver & Tammy Fraser says
My condolences to the Richards Family. Gene was a grand lady and will be missed.
James Taylor (Jinmmie) says
I thoroughly enjoyed time at the Richards home when growing up. There was always something fun going on it seemed. And Jeanie was the neighborhood mom somehow keeping track of it all. A strong woman indeed and a woman of strong faith. I am glad I got to sit by her in church last year and to tell her how much I enjoyed going to their house as a child. Her smile I will always remember. My condolences to Karen, Gary, Dave, Dennis and Mike and all the rest too. RIP sweet Jeanie.
Gerald Cathey says
Karen,Gary,David,Dennis,Mike: My condolesences to you all upon the loss of your Mom. Few months during my days after high school have passed without a memory of Mrs. Richards, and I expect those memories will continue. Teacher, mentor, role model, mother of lifelong friends all relate to my image of Eugenie. I am saddened by your loss. Peace as you grieve…
Joey Littlebird says
Mrs. Richards was a kind lady, had the pleasure of meeting her while I attended St. Labre during high school. Prayers to the family. Travel well Mrs. Richards.
Bob Cook says
Richards family,
What a great lady she was. Like so many, I spent many hours at the Richards home growing up. She grabbed me by the neck one day and made me sit down and learn the game of cribbage. I thank you Mrs Richards, as I still play today. She got me through shorthand class, which we both knew was a gift. Always enjoyed seeing her on trips back to Broadus. Mrs. Richards, you made an impact on so many, and you will be missed by all.