Cloudy, 26° F
(Dec. 24, 2009)
Jane Nate Richards, 84, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, died on Dec. 24, 2009.
She was born July 8, 1925 in Dingle, Idaho, to Cornell Walton Nate and Alice Grimmett Sparks. She attended school in Cokeville, Wyo., where she graduated from high school in 1943.
She attended Brigham Young University for one year. She then moved to Tacoma, Wash., where she worked in the shipyards during World War II. She started as a mechanic’s helper and worked her way up to become a mechanic on aircraft carriers.
Jane then returned to BYU, where she graduated in 1948 with a degree in elementary education, with a minor in physical education. She began her 30-year teaching career in Powell.
Jane met Gerald Reed Richards at the roller rink in Powell. They were married on July 1, 1951, in Cokeville. They began their lives together in Powell where they raised their two daughters.
Jane moved to Idaho Falls in 2005 to be closer to her family. She enjoyed gardening, knitting, crocheting, reading, canning, needlework and spending time with her family. She loved attending her grandchildren’s sporting events. She was an avid fan of BYU football and the Utah Jazz. She was a life-long and faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Jane is survived by her two daughters, Jerrilynn Richards of Idaho Falls, Trudy Dayton (Reed) of Paul, Idaho; grandchildren Bryce Dayton (Courtnie) of Rupert, Idaho, Kylee Dayton of Idaho Falls, Kabree Sterzer (David) of Amarillo, Texas, and Barrett Dayton of Paul; a great-granddaughter, Haylee Jayne; and a brother Stanley Nate (Fern) of Hyrum, Utah.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Gerald; and four siblings.
The family will receive friends from 2 - 4 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 28 at Coltrin Mortuary at 2100 First St. in Idaho Falls. Funeral Services will be held in Powell on Wednesday, Dec. 30 at 2 p.m. at the LDS Church on Avenue E. Burial will follow at Crown Hill Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.thompsonfuneral.net
