In memoriam of Florence Richards, 04/02/1921 – 11/22/2016

View the online memorial here.

Florence Jeanette (Haugen) Richards, the youngest of nine surviving children (six sisters and two brothers) of Ole and Lena (Larson) Haugen, was born in Grant County, MN, on April 2, 1921.

She attended school in Norcross and Herman, MN.

She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith.

It was in Herman, that she met Clifford Richards, her husband of 66 years.

In the late 1940’s, the couple left Minnesota for North Dakota, living in Finley and Larimore, where they raised their three children:

Junette “Junnie”, Kathryn “Kitty”, and Dean.

In 1986, they moved to Valley City.

Florence is remembered for her pride in her Norwegian heritage, her love of crafts, her cooking, and her involvement in the Lutheran churches where she was a member.

The homes of her family and friends are filled with ceramics that she created, blankets (and Barbie clothes!) that she crocheted, and tea towels that she embroidered.

At family events, requests often went out for her lemon meringue pies, deviled eggs and casseroles.

An expert baker, there were always cakes, pies, bars and cookies in her kitchen (along with the ever-present pot of coffee).

She had a delightful sense of humor, loved playing with and teasing her grandchildren, and would sashay about whenever a video camera was turned her way.

She enjoyed music of all kinds and loved to sit by the piano and sing.

Florence is survived by her three children, Junette Christianson, Kathryn Hanauer, and Dean (Pam) Richards; seven grandchildren–Candis Gebert, Scott Christianson, Bradley Christianson, Valerie Orleans, Michelle Shatzen, Ryan Richards and Laura McGrath.

In addition, Florence had 12 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild and several step-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, all of her siblings, and sons-in-law, Warren Christianson and Frank Hanauer.

She passed away November 26, 2016 at the Sheyenne Care Center in Valley City, ND at the age of 95.

Florence was very proud of her age.

A memorial service will take place on June 13, 2017 at 2 PM at Faith Lutheran Church in Valley City.

Pastor Jolene Knudson-Hanse will officiate.

Inurnment will be at the Lakeside Cemetery in Herman, MN.

Arrangements for Florence are in the care of Lerud-Schuldt-Mathias Funeral Home in Valley City.

An online guestbook is available at lerudschuldt.com

Visit LERUD-SCHULDT-MATHIAS FUNERAL HOME