Pohney Lou Rich, born March 25, 1929, passed peacefully from this world surrounded by family members on November 4, 2019. Pohney was 90 years old.
Pohney was born in Roundup, MT, the third child and youngest daughter of Johnny and Hellan Hill. Pohney spent many joyful days of her childhood with her three brothers and one sister and numerous cousins on the family ranch south of Mosby, MT. For her lower grades, Pohney attended Weede School, a one room schoolhouse walking distance from the family ranch. Pohney attended high school at Petroleum County High in Winnett, Mt. where she played basketball.
On December 13, 1947, Pohney married the love of her life Charles “Chuck” Rich, she lived for a period of time in San Antonio, Texas while Chuck was overseas in the Merchant Marines. Upon his return they lived in various places over a period of years including Bill Duttons, Tom Hovlands, Lindsay, Winnett, Roundup, Jordan and the ranch while starting a family. They later settled at the Jet Fuel Refinery in Mosby where they resided for 20 years and added one more child to their herd. Pohney was active in shuttling kids, being a 4-H leader, various community women’s groups and attending kids school and sporting events. Summer vacations were often spent on camping trips around the state with kids, grandparents, and siblings in tow. In 1973 Pohney and Chuck moved to the Rich Family Ranch north of Sand Springs where Pohney became an expert at driving a mowing machine and had the constant “go to” place for kids, grandkids, numerous friends as well as many out of state hunters who quickly became close friends.
After the death of Chuck in 2006, Pohney moved to Lewistown, MT where she again connected with several dear high school friends from Winnett and spent her days doing water aerobics, driving friends, and playing bingo at the Council on Aging. The Rich family is especially grateful to John Garoutte and the staff of Caslen Living Centers for their care and assistance with Mom’s many household projects during her residence in Lewistown.
Pohney is survived by her brother Jack (Kay) Hill of MaComb, Illinois and her three children: Kenny (Linda) Rich of Sand Springs; Alvin (Denise) Rich of Nye; Bonnie Rich of Scottsdale, Arizona and son-in-law, Larry Switzer of Richey. Her grandchildren: Donna Rich, Toby (Claudia) Rich, Brandon (Cindy) Garoutte, Kirk (Sarah) Rich, Jay (Megan) Garoutte, Shani (RJ) Olsen and Cruz Rich. Her great grandchildren: Lexi Rich, Aurianna Rich, Austin Rich, Aiden Rich, Jace Garoutte, Carlynn Garoutte, Loralee Garoutte, Spencer Whitt-Rich, Laura Prather-Rich, Walter Rich and Lizabeth Rich.
Pohney is preceded in death by her parents, Johnny and Hellan Hill, her siblings Hazel Gibson, Alvin Hill and Ted Hill. Her husband Chuck Rich, her daughter Charlene Rich Switzer, her granddaughter-in-law Nichole Rich and great-grand-daughter Alauna Rich.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 15, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at the VFW Hall in Jordan. Interment will follow in the family lot of the Pioneer Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire donations may be sent to the VFW Hall Post 7886, Jordan, MT.
Becki Kolenberg says
To the Rich Family – I am so very sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in the many years of memories you were able to spend with her. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Best ~ Becki
Linda Estes says
To Pohneys Families. So sorry about your mother, grandmother, aunt and others. I will miss her spunky phone calls and pleas for help with her little ailments. She and Chuck and Charlene must be so happy to be together again. Let me know if I can help in any way.
Helen Johnsen deines says
I remember the family from Garfield county 4-h days and phoney rich was part of these early memories. Sorry to hear this. Our parents lived long lives
Muff Engdahl says
Thoughts and Prayers to all of the Rich families. Pohney was a special lady and will be missed by all that had the pleasure of knowing her. Hold your memories close in your hearts
Kathi Kreiner says
Aunt Pohney will remain a treasured, favorite aunt! To my cousins and their families – we couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to have as aunt, uncle, and cousins! I have such “rich” memories of your family and how each one of you have added so much to my life.
Blessings of peace and comfort in this time of loss. Ed and I as well as our kids and their families send our love to you.
Lori Murnion says
You are in my thoughts and Prayers
Kathy Bowers says
So sorry, Bonnie and family! May God be with you all!
Sally Fitch Ness says
So very sorry for your loss. Pohney was my moms (Pat Fitch ) best friend. Hope they are having a good laugh together.
Roberta Rickman says
Alvin, our condolences to you and your family. God bless.
Gary & Bert
Dorthy M. Ley says
So sorry for your loss of Phoney, I considered her a very special friend. She was a very beautiful lady inside & out. RIP my friend.
Micky Mosby says
So sorry for the Rich families loss. I have many fond childhood memories of Pohney. God Bless.
Elva Eike Arthur says
Rest In Peace lady,it was fun to visit with you and Louann at Caslen!God bless your family at this difficult time.
Bill/Madonna Ryan says
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers, sorry for your loss
Sharon Rich Neill says
While my visits to Montana were limited growing up, I always looked forward to seeing Aunt Pohney, Uncle Chuck, and my cousins. Aunt Pohney could cook and rustle up a tasty, filling meal. I can see her at the stove, frying those eggs in lots of bacon grease–very tasty. I can taste the venison, which I rarely got to eat. Somehow, she decreased the strong sage taste, which was a bit different to me. I can see her driving the pickup with all of us kids piled in the back. I enjoyed getting to go to swim on a hot day in the creek or in the lake. I marveled at her 4-H involvement and the projects and all the things she could do “ranch-related.” And that twinkle in her eye when she was telling a story; I knew something exciting or revealing was forthcoming. She and I shared the same birth date, just a different year. March 25 will be a bit lonely from now on. My prayers for all the members of the Rich family.
rose snider says
Dear Rich, we are sorry to hear of Pohney’s passing. Glad we went and saw her when we did. Unfortunately we will not be able to attend the service. Love a d Prayer, Ruth Mayo and Rose Snider