Ann Hughes Richards' Obituary
Ann Hughes Richards, 88, of Millcreek, Utah, passed away on December 3, 2024, surrounded by family.
Born February 12, 1936, in Salt Lake City, Utah to William Francis Hughes and Mary Wright. Ann was in the first graduating class of Olympus High School and eventually, later in life, went on to get a degree in Psychology from Brigham Young University. Ann met Gene Murdell Richards at a BYU dance, and on September 17, 1957, they were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. They had six children together. Ann was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout her life. She loved studying the gospel and loved her Savior, Jesus Christ.
Ann dedicated her life to service, consistently finding ways to make a difference in the lives of others. She spent 12 years serving in the special needs Primary, volunteered for many years at the Genealogy Library, where she contributed by doing extraction work in French, worked alongside Gene in an inner-city mission in the Canon Ward, and devoted 7 years of service at the Highland Cove Senior Living Center. Her unwavering commitment to helping others touched many lives.
Ann had a deep passion for supporting her children and grandchildren in all their sports and activities, always there to cheer them on. She was a devoted member of her book club for over 40 years—after all, “she was born with a book in her hand.” Ann treasured her close-knit circle of friends, with whom she shared countless memorable moments, from mystery trips and Rook parties to festive New Year’s Eves. She also cherished time spent with family in back-yard parties around her swimming pool, during trips to Lake Powell, Santa Clara and at her cabin in Brighton. Ann also LOVED watching BYU Football!
Survived by her six children, Lisa Richards Roush, Holly Cowdell (Mark Cowdell), David Richards, Brent Richards (Kerri Richards), Eric Richards (Christi Richards), and Cynthia Bryant (Jesse Bryant). Ann is also survived by her sister, Mary Ellen Hansen, sister, Sylvia Kim and brother, Bill Hughes, and her 14 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren whom she adored dearly. Preceded in death by her parents, William and Mary Hughes, her husband, Gene Richards, and her sister, Frances Holtom.
A viewing will be held at the Hillview Ward Meeting House at 1361 E 4000 S, Millcreek, Utah 84124 from 9:30 - 10:30 am on Saturday, December 7, 2024. A Graveside Service will be held at 11:00 am at Elysian Burial Gardens, 1075 E 4580 S, Millcreek, Utah 84124.
Ann’s generosity, loving kindness and compassion will be remembered fondly by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
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