Our loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Lydia Carolyn Smith Richards, passed away peacefully, November 23, 2021, in the loving care of Alta Ridge Assisted Living, in Sandy, Utah at the age of 91.
She was born October 20, 1930, to Joseph Stephen and Margaret Stimpson Smith in Salt Lake City, Utah, being the sixth child of thirteen children.
She married Darrell Ralph Richards in the Idaho Falls Temple, December 8, 1950. They were blessed with five children. Together they served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Texas Fort Worth Mission.
Being a lifetime member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she held many positions in Relief Society, Young Women, Primary, Choir, and served as a temple worker in the Salt Lake Temple and Mesa Temple. She was a member of the Daughters of Utah Pioneer, (DUP). She gave countless hours researching her ancestors in Family Search. She had a beautiful alto voice and was invited to join a group of women who formed the 'Keynotes' choir in the West Valley of Salt Lake. Her family enjoyed listening to her singing and playing either her piano or organ. There was no question of her love for Heavenly Father, her Savior, Jesus Christ and the deep love for her husband and family. With compassionate service, she taught her children how to love.
She is survived by 4 siblings, her daughters Ronna Goodmansen, Shanna (Neil) Gause, Debora Bodell, Jena Koplin, and son, Jedd (Loni) Richards, 22 grandchildren, 57 great grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and 8 siblings
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, November 29, 2021, at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 South), Sandy, Utah. 84092. Visitation held at Larkin Sunset Gardens on Sunday evening from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. and on Monday morning from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. prior to the service. For information to watch the services online or to share a favorite memory of Lydia, please visit larkincares.com.
To watch the recorded services online, please click on the blue "Watch Services" box above.
Sending our love and prayers to the family.
I miss Lydia! I am Lydia's nephew. My dad, Clair Parker Smith, passed away on March 21, 2017.
Please give my condolences to Debra, Ronna, Gina, Shanna, and Jedd. Stephen
Sending our sympathy and love. Aunt Lydia was always so kind, loving and welcoming. I remember many visits to their home growing up and all the good times we had together. I’m sorry we couldn’t attend her funeral but appreciate being able to view it on-line. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Love Holly and Rob Schley
Our family visited the Richard place each summer during my childhood. I remember being served fresh fish, marveling at the flowing river in the backyard, Lydia so very lovely, and fun times playing games with cousins.