Jody Renee Richardson's Obituary
Jody Renee Walters Richardson
Born November 29, 1961 in Oelwein, Iowa. Born to Merle Francis Walters and Coleen Kay Vargason Walters, now Klevjer. Passed away November 5, 2015 in Salt Lake City, from cancer.
Funeral services will be held at the LDS chapel at 1148 W. 500 North in Salt Lake City. The service begins at 10:00 AM on Saturday, November 14.
Jody, you left our realm on November 5 at 7 o’ clock in the evening. It was the culmination of a most sacred evening, which knew expressions of love, singing, and reading scriptures.
You were preceded in death by your father, Merle Walters, and your son, Matthew. You left behind a husband, Randy Richardson, a daughter, Kayla Bridges, a son-in-law, Lemanuel Bridges, and Kayla and Lemanuel’s four sons, Jabari, Jayden, Jo’Dyia, and Adrian. You left a son, Jacob. You left your mother, Coleen Klevjer, your brother Robert Walters, his wife Ida, and their two children, Kimberly Walters-Saben and Daniel Walters. Not to mention many cousins, some of whom were like siblings to you, and you loved them all. The surviving in-laws who love you are numerous. You are a cherished sister-in-law, adored aunt, and second mother to many. Although you are gone for now, we know we will all one day see you again.
As a child you were a joy to your family. You were respectful to your parents. Most of the time, anyway, right? You actively sought the wisdom and knowledge that your parents and grandparents had to teach you. You learned to have faith in God, and to have hope in the Savior. Not only for yourself, but for your family as well, understanding in your heart far more about the love and Atonement of the Savior than you had ever been taught in words. And best of all, you learned to love, which is your defining characteristic.
In high school, you participated in clubs and a work program as a medical office assistant, and you graduated from Oelwein High. You went on to Hawkeye Tech, where you were trained to be a nurse’s aide. You always had a love of medical knowledge, and went on to be a transcriptionist later in your life. Your spirit was always ready to do far more than your body was able to do. But you smiled through all the pain, and lifted up countless people with your smile, your positive attitude, and your sense of humor. You constantly sought new knowledge throughout your life, and learning was a joy to you.
You made many friends throughout the world as a correspondent. That was how your relationship with Randy began. All of your pen pals were overjoyed every time they got a letter from you. You always believed that progress lay in new technology. You knew that you had to encourage Randy to update his skills and training for the 21st century. That new knowledge, which he wouldn’t have gained without your encouragement, was a blessing to your family’s life. You enthusiastically upgraded your writing medium from pen and paper to computers and the Internet.
And now, sweet one, your body can’t limit your spirit any longer. So go, explore! Visit the pyramids of Egypt, Central America, and Asia. Soak in the ceiling of the chapel that was painted by Michelangelo. Watch volcanoes erupt under the sea. Visit the canyons of Mars, the storms of Jupiter, and the rings of Saturn. But, more exciting than all that, enjoy your grandparents. The son that you lost years ago. Your father, your mother-in-law, all the relatives and friends that you have lost in your time on earth. Go explore, explore your loving relationships with all of them, and make new friends as well. Heaven is filled with numerous ancestors and potential friends that will bless your life for all eternity.
And once you’ve found a nice little house for us there, put in your little Jody touches that will make the house into a home. Pick out the curtains and the artwork, make it your own. It will be a place of love, happiness, and laughter for all who dwell and visit there.
What’s your fondest memory of Jody?
What’s a lesson you learned from Jody?
Share a story where Jody's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Jody you’ll never forget.
How did Jody make you smile?