Donna Eleanor Richards Wangsgard, 86, passed away peacefully in Lynda's home on Wednesday, August 26, 2015, from complications of a stroke. Donna was born in Lead, South Dakota to Harold and Veda Richards. Because of WWII, they moved to Ogden when she was 14 years of age because the government shut down the mines where her father worked. She met Cloyd in a Botany class and they later married in the Salt Lake Temple on September 7, 1948. They were residents in Salt Lake City, Bountiful, and Centerville.
Donna loved music and shared that gift with all she knew--her children, church choirs, many piano students, roadshows, Primary, Relief Society, and missions to Forks, Washington; and Mexico City. She wrote a piano course for the Church in Mexico, to teach members how to play the keyboard and hymns, so the people could have music in their services. You may not know this, but mom was also a trombone player and was in the Ogden High Marching Band.
Donna spent her life giving and doing everything she could to assure everyone else was living a better life. This involved talking to people she loved. She loved a great conversation by phone and in person.
Donna was a homemaker, school teacher, piano teacher, Christmas Card extraordinaire, apartment manager, volunteered in school classrooms, a member of MUFI, and Daughters of the Utah Pioneers.
Donna leaves behind her children Lynda Wangsgard, Cristine Lybbert, Diane Castell, Douglas Wangsgard, Marie Kent, Allan Wangsgard, Ilene Whipple, Jerry Williams, twenty four grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Janet Olsen, and her sister-in-law, Arla Funk. She was preceded in death by her husband, Cloyd, and many other family and friends.
Mom was loved by all, and always greeted people with, "Good Morning". She will be missed. She lived an amazing life and we are grateful for who she is and the cherished memories we have.
The viewing will be held at the Pheasant Ward, 610 Rowland Way in Centerville, Utah, Thursday, September 3rd, from 6-8 p.m. and Friday, September 4th, from 9:30-10:45 a.m. A memorial service will be held on Friday, September 4th at 11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers the family has chosen to donate money to Nicole\s (a granddaughter) Special Olympics Sports Team in Gilbert, Arizona. Please make checks payable to: Special Olympics Arizona in care of Gilbert Roadrunners. Please send the checks to: Special Olympics Arizona, 2100 South 75th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85043, Attention: Eve Vance. Online condolences welcomed at www.larkincares.com.
