Jay Richards was born on November 18, 1926 in the Seattle area, the third child of Gerald and Noeline Etcheverry Close. Her father was a career Army officer which was the cause of many moves.

While attending Seattle University in 1942 a mutual friend introduced her to her dear future husband, Al Richards, who was a Merchant Marine cadet shipping in and out of Seattle.

They were married on July 6, 1946 and settled in Al’s hometown of Spokane, WA. Their four children were born and raised there. They were her pride and joy. Family was always the center of Jay’s life. She used her skill of sewing, knitting and hand crafts to create warm, attractive and welcoming homes. Home cooking and cookies from the oven, colorful flowerbeds were a passion.

She was very much involved in her church and her children’s school activities as well as the Camp Fire Association. As the children grew, she joined Al in his love of golf. This brought many dear friends into their lives. She was on the 9-Hole Ladies Board at the Spokane Country Club for 14 years and when they retired to Whidbey Island in 1986, she started the Ladies 9-Hole Group at the Useless Bay Golf & Country Club. Whidbey Island was Jay’s heaven on earth.

Every day began with a walk on the beach with her beloved Corgi. Jay is survived by her loved husband Al, daughters Joyce (John) Garland, Pam (Gerard) Guinasso, Leslie (Tom) Stachecki and son Matthew (Bonnie) Richards and 5 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. She was predeceased by both parents and her brother and sister.

A rosary will be held at 10:45am with a Requiem Mass at 11:00am at St. Hubert’s Church located at 804 – 3rd Street, Langley WA, 98260 to follow on October 8, 2012. At Jay’s request her remains will be cremated. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Nature Conservancy or the local Humane Society, her two favorite causes. A celebration of life to follow at St. Hubert’s Church hall.