Alfred Leroy “Johnny” Richards, age 79, of Colstrip, formerly of Broadus, passed away on Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at Saint Vincent Hospital in Billings surrounded by the family he loved so deeply.
Johnny was born on December 9, 1945 in Belle Fourche, South Dakota, the eldest of six children born to Archie and Marjorie Richards. He grew up in Halsey, Nebraska where he learned early the value of hard work, respect, and lending a hand – qualities he carried with him throughout his life. As a young man, he worked on ranches around Sargent and Halsey before enlisting in the United States Navy on January 28, 1964, at just 18 years old. He proudly served his country until his honorable discharge on January 27, 1968.
While stationed in California, Johnny married Susan (Cathro), on December 17, 1966, in Long Beach. Their family began shortly after with the birth of their son, Michael, on July 16, 1967, and later their daughter, Michelle, on October 18, 1971.
In 1968, Johnny and Susan moved to Broadus, Montana, where Johnny worked in Belle Creek, for Draine Drilling, and at the Mangen Angus Ranch. In those early years, he and Susan worked dances in the Red Velvet Room of the Montana Bar, to make extra money to buy their first home. When the UPS hub opened in Broadus, Johnny began working as a UPS package driver – a position he held for 33 years – and continued to go to the Mangen Ranch on the weekends for over 50 years.
Johnny’s favorite pastimes were watching the Denver Broncos, going to the ranch and riding his horse Buck, and going fishing especially with his cousin Dennis and brother Larry.
Johnny’s greatest joy came from his family. In their younger years, Johnny and Susan enjoyed going to dances and movies. Becoming a grandfather and later a great-grandfather brought him tremendous pride. He adored his granddaughter Melinda, and he lit up around his great-grandchildren: Gavin John, Grayson Richard and Jessa. They were his heart. He was also “Papa” to Vikki and Raegan Klemm.
Johnny is survived by his wife of nearly 59 years, Susan Richards of Colstrip, MT; his son, Michael B. Richards of Broadus, MT, his daughter, Michelle (Shane) Richards of Colstrip , MT; his granddaughter, Melinda (Freeman) Kluver and his three great-grandchildren: Gavin, Grayson & Jessa. He is also survived by his siblings, Helen Glidden of Taylor, NE; Kenneth Richards of Dallas, TX; Jerry (Terrie) Richards of Plymouth, CA; Larry (Jody) Richards of Billings, MT; sister-in-law Julie Richards of Saint Paul Park, MN; special friend Melinda Bieshuevel and the Mangen Family; numerous nieces, nephews and his dog Belle.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Peggy Vivian, brother-in-laws Jim Vivian and Frank Glidden and close family friends Chris, Loretta Mangen and John Mangen.
Johnny will be remembered for his steady presence, his unwavering work ethic, and his deep love for his family. He leaves behind a legacy built on kindnesss, loyalty, and the countless quiet ways he showed up for the people he loved.
Visitation will be held on Friday, December 5, 2025 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Broadus with family receiving friends from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Powder River Congregational Church in Broadus. Interment with full military honors will follow in the Valley View Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Broadus VFW Post or the Broadus Cancer Fund.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Friday December 5, 2025
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Broadus, Montana 59317
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Saturday December 6, 2025
Powder River Congregational Church
Broadus, Montana 59317
Interment with Full Military Honors
Following the Funeral Service
Saturday December 6, 2025
Valley View Cemetery
Broadus, Montana 59317
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Friday December 5, 2025
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Broadus, Montana 59317
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Saturday December 6, 2025
Powder River Congregational Church
Broadus, Montana 59317
Interment with Full Military Honors
Following the Funeral Service
Saturday December 6, 2025
Valley View Cemetery
Broadus, Montana 59317
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Andrea Rice says
Oh Sue, I I’m so very sorry to see this. Sending you my prayers and condolences! Love and miss you!
Andrea Rice says
Oh Sue, I am so very sorry to see this. Sending my prayers and condolences. I sure miss you around Broadus.!
Robbin Stoddard says
Sue, Mike, Michelle, and all Johnny’s family, you have my heartfelt sympathy. Johnny was such a good man, and he will be missed. May the memories you made with him comfort you as much as time spent with him brought you happiness.
Vern and Betty Ganser says
Sue, Mike, Michelle, so sorry to hear of Johnny passing. What a wonderful person and family man Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Vanna Byrd says
Richards Family,
Please accept my most sincere condolences. There are just no other words. Johnny will always be loved, remembered, cherished and missed.
Vanna
Ab & Sarah says
Heck of a man. Sorry for the loss. May the family find peace and never forget. Proud to have known!
Dan & Sheri Gali says
I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of Johnny. He was a great guy and will be dearly missed. Hugs to you all.
Sandy Williams says
To the Johnny Richards family!! Our hearts are with you all!! Take care and remember your good times.
Rosario Klar says
Rosario Klar
Sue my deepest condolences to you and your family. You all are in my thoughts and prayers!
Rhonda Traub says
Sue, Mike, Michelle, Grandchildren and Richards Family. So very sorry for your loss of your Loved One. May the Lord comfort and give you strength and peace. Hugs
Sylvia Zimmer says
Sue, and family… so sorry sorry about Johnny.. he will always be remembered. Sending hugs and prayers of comfort.
Aletta & Randy Shannon says
Thinking of you all and sending prayers for comfort!! He will be missed!!🙏🏻
Aletta & Randy Shannon says
Thinking of you all and sending prayers for comfort!! He will be missed!!🙏🏻
Mikesell’s says
Sending our love to you and your family. Im sorry for your loss.
Vic and Laura Lee Ullrich says
Sue, Mike and Michelle and all of the grandkids and extended family. We are so sad to hear of Johnny’s passing. He and Vic worked together for so many years! May the Good Lord hold you all in His arms and carry you through these hard days, until, someday when you can stand on your own. Praying hard for all of you…
Grant and Mary Olson says
Sue and family so sorry for your loss. You and the family are in my thoughts and prayers 🙏. Loves and higs
Veda says
Sue and family. I can’t believe it, Johnny was a great guy. Fly high with the angels my friend.
Claire McLouth says
I’m so sorry to see that your husband has passed. You and I were Activity Directors years ago. I was in Circle. You have my condolences. I lost a son a few years ago and can relate. The Lord will give you strength. God Bless.
Amy (Lohmann) Smith says
My condolences to you Sue, Mike, Michelle, and your families. I am sorry for your loss, I pray your memories will bring you comfort.
Zane Howe says
My sincere condolences as Johnny Crosses the Bar’ and stands before the Lord, my prayers are with you all!
Ginger says
Sincerest condolences to Sue and the whole clan. Johnny was a true-blue, one-of-a-kind, all-around great guy who always had time to say hi and catch up with people, and making each moment in life count. Cherish the many memories. Love and hugs to all. 💞
Patricia Phillips says
Hugs to the fanily —Blessing to memories–
Jo and Leo Jurica says
Sue and family,
We are sorry to hear of Johnny’s passing. You have our sympathy for your loss.
Leo and Jo Jurica says
Sue and family. We are so sorry to hear of Johnny’s passing . Pease accept our condolences.
Wayne Wetherelt Jr & Serena Wetherelt says
Sue, Mike, Michelle and Families
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you in the loss of Johnny. I have enjoyed seeing you these past few years and our short visits. Johnny and I had many visits when we were neighbors years ago. May your memories bring you peace and give you comfort in the days ahead. My prayers are for all of you.
Mike Mangen says
We are so sorry for your loss. Many good memories of him at the ranch. He was a good man who will be missed.
Mike and Dorrie Mangen
Nancy Sampson says
Sue, I’m so sorry for your loss.
Cody Morris says
Dear Susan and family,
I was very sorry to hear of your loss! Even though I was related to Johnny, I didn’t spend much time around him, but enjoyed the time I did spend with him. I’m sorry I can’t be at the funeral.
William Collins says
Sue, Mike and Michelle:
I am sorry for your loss. Our hearts go out to you as you mourn Johnny’s passing. God speed to him and may he rest in peace.
William and Melissa Collins
Tom & Mary McCamish, Wanda McInerney says
Sue and Mike, so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Sending love, Tom & Mary McCamish, Wanda McInerney
Linda Macy says
Sue, Mike, Michelle & Johnnys siblings, so sorry for your loss Johnny was an awesome man & cousin. Love & Hugs to you all!!
Connie Earley Watts says
Larry, I am so sorry for the loss of your brother. May God bless you and your family.