Loretta Josephine Richards

January 4, 1939 – January 22, 2025

On January 22, 2025, Loretta Josephine Richards, loving wife and mother of two, passed away at

the age of 86. Loretta was born on January 4, 1939, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Guy Arthur

Rinker and Wilma L. Langdon.

While attending Pasadena College, Loretta met the love of her life, Robert Richards. They were

married in the summer of 1960 and shared a remarkable 61 years of marriage before Bob’s

passing in May 2021.

In 1967, Loretta, Bob, and their two-year-old son, Mark, embarked on an adventurous journey to

the island of Guam for what was initially a two-year teaching contract. Two years later, they

welcomed their second child, Keith. By then, they had fallen in love with Guam’s culture,

people, and the opportunities for travel it provided. It would be many years before they would

leave again

On Guam, Loretta dedicated herself to public school education as a Kindergarten teacher,

inspiring young minds at Agat Elementary, M.U. Lujan Elementary, and Merizo Elementary

schools. Beyond her professional life and world travel, she cherished swimming at the U.S.O. in

Piti, collected global artwork, and enjoyed intellectual pursuits such as reading, crossword

puzzles, Sudoku, and dominating the family in Jeopardy.

In 1991, after 24 years on Guam, Loretta and Bob retired to Lacey, Washington. Their passion

for exploring the world then led them to Costa Rica, where they frequently visited family and

ultimately built a home in the cloud forest of Monteverde. From 2000 to 2016, they immersed

themselves in the local culture and traveled extensively throughout the region. In 2016, they

returned to Washington State and settled in Panorama. Following Bob’s passing, Loretta found

companionship and joy in her cat, M’ning, whom she adored and spoiled.

Loretta is survived by her sons Mark and Keith, their wives Michele and Wendi, five

grandchildren, her sister Elizabeth, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends from around the

globe. Her adventurous spirit, love for family, and dedication to education touched the lives of all

who knew her.

Loretta will be deeply missed and forever remembered for her kindness, wit, and passion for life.