Richards, Katherine

Katherine “Katie” Richards, 76, of 4332 Pintail Dr., Marion, passed away at her home, Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009, surrounded by her friends and family. Services: 2 p.m. Tuesday at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Marion, by the Rev. Del Bear. The family will greet friends from 4 to 8 p.m., Monday at the funeral home. A luncheon will be held at the American Legion, Post 298 Hall, 625 31st St., Marion, following the service on Tuesday. A private family burial will take place at Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Katie was born in Davenport on Sept. 1, 1933, to Horace and Katherine (Younkin) Oaks. She was preceded in death by her parents; five siblings, Berton and Horace Oaks, Ruthetta Ryan, Helen VanPelt, and Patricia Madsen; and three children, Rita Baker, Diane and Nancy Richards. Katie was married to Richard Baker from 1953 until his death in 1955. She was later married to Richard Richards from March 8, 1958, until his death in 1983.

Katie is survived by four children, William Richards of Marion, Raymond (Lorna) Richards of Marion, John Richards of Blue Bell, Pa., and Mona Baker of Tucson, Ariz. She is also survived by 2 grandchildren: John Richards and Derek Tellin.

Katie was a 25-year employee of the Linn-Mar School District, retiring in 1998. For a number of years, she was employed at the Town House Motor Inn and had performed as an advertising model early in life. When her second husband, Richard, became ill, Katie took over the reins of the family service station business during his recuperation. Katie worked tirelessly her entire life to provide for her family, often going without so she could provide for her children.

Before deteriorating health forced her to stop driving her beloved VW Beetle, Herbie, Katie could be spotted on any given day at one of her favorite Marion hangouts (Country Kitchen, Hunningtons, and Hy-Vee) visiting and having coffee with her friends. Katie enjoyed decorating her home, working crossword puzzles, watching Bonanza, looking after her fish and admiring Clint Eastwood.

Katie was very fortunate to have Mary Farmer of Marion as a very special friend. Katie developed a special friendship with Julie Ciha, her caretaker. Julie not only allowed Katie to maintain her independence but became one of Katie's closest friends and confidants.

Memorials may be directed to St. Luke's Health Care Foundation, 1026 A Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401, in Katie's memory.

Please sign the online guest book for Katie at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.