Judy Hess Richards October 9, 1941 – September 22, 2026

Judy Hess Richards, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully in her sleep at her son Paul’s home in Caldwell, Idaho, on September 22, 2026, just shy of her 85th birthday. She was reunited once again with her sweetheart, Dennis Lee Richards.

Judy was born October 9, 1941, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Quintin R. Hess and Vonda Belle Tolman. A few years later, the family moved to their dairy farm in Fielding, Utah, where Judy spent the remainder of her childhood. As the oldest of 11 children, she learned early to love and serve her family and to work hard. Homemaking and caring for others became an important part of her life. When she had time for herself, she loved to dance. She attended Bear River High School in Garland, Utah, where she was very involved in Home Ec, dance and also competed for and was named runner up for Miss Wheat and Beet Days.

Judy met her “Dear” husband, Dennis, when he asked her to fill in last minute for a road-show dance performance because his partner couldn’t make it. Judy was still in high school and Dennis was preparing to serve a church mission, but they were immediately impressed by each other’s ballroom dancing skills. Judy filling in for that dance performance began their love story. Before he left for New England, Dennis gave Judy a promise ring, and she faithfully wore it while she waited for him to complete his mission. Shortly after his return, they became engaged and were married and sealed in the Logan Utah Temple on June 12, 1961.

Judy and Dennis attended Utah State University together. Judy studied Child Development and Elementary Education and earned her bachelor’s degree. They then moved to Tallahassee, Florida, where Dennis worked on his master’s degree and their first daughter was born. After finishing school, they moved to Terre Haute, Indiana, and added a son before finally returning closer to home and settling in Missoula, Montana. They spent 35 years there making memories and raising their seven children.

Judy always went above and beyond to help her family and make sure they had what they needed. She was a wonderful mother who devoted countless hours to making her home a place of comfort, creativity, hard work, and love. She used her many talents—cake decorating, gardening, cooking, canning, sewing, and other homemaking skills—to provide for her family. She was also a skilled artist and would sometimes put those talents to work helping her younger children with their school projects.

Judy ran a home daycare for approximately 17 years, using her natural gifts of caring for children. She loved every child who came into her home as if they were her own, and became known for her homemade bread, pickled carrots, and many delicious foods she grew and prepared herself. After retiring from daycare, Judy worked for six years at Fabricland, where she probably spent more money than she earned and her family benefited. She loved the friends she made during her time there. She later worked briefly in an elementary school lunchroom before happily retiring from work and becoming a full-time grandma.

After Dennis retired, he and Judy made the big decision to move back home to Utah. Over the years they lived in Lehi, and then Brigham City until Dennis passed away. Judy then lived in Kaysville, Tremonton, and eventually Caldwell, Idaho. One of Judy’s greatest joys was being able to live near six of her seven children at different times. This gave her countless opportunities to be involved in the lives of her children and grandchildren and allowed everyone to deepen their relationship and make memories with Grandma. Judy was famous for her novel birthday cards to each of her children and grandchildren. She took the time every year to tell each one exactly how special they were to her and how much she loved them.

Judy was a diligent family historian who saved everything. She wrote many detailed letters, kept journals, and collected photographs, compiling numerous books throughout her life with photos and important documents. She made sure that people, memories, and important moments were not forgotten and left an incredible history for her entire family.

Judy was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Throughout her life she faithfully fulfilled her church callings and assignments, serving as Primary President twice, Young Women President, Relief Society President twice, Ward Young Women Camp Director, and a faithful visiting teacher, among many other responsibilities. She had a grandkid favorite calling, as the ward grandma, visiting the five nurseries in her ward to lead singing time and bring healthy snacks, often from her garden.

Judy’s life was dedicated to helping others. She served her neighbors, church members, friends, and family with the same generosity and love she showed her own children. No one could visit her without leaving with something from her home, garden, kitchen, or pantry. She was always willing to give more than was expected or required, and she found joy in making other people feel loved.

Judy is survived by her seven children: Denise Harmon (Roger), Galen Richards (Heidi), Lori Hayden (Brian), Sheldon Richards (Nicole), Paul Richards (Stacie), Julie Holyoak (Aaron), and Vicki James (Tyler); 33 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-grandchildren on the way.

She is also survived by five siblings: Mary Perry (Mike), Timothy Hess (Karen), Vaughn Hess (Tonya), Barry Hess (Joelle), and Becky Ewing (Jeff).

She was preceded in death by her parents, Quintin and Vonda Hess; brothers Charles, Harold, Dave, Quintin Jr. and sister Gaylene.

Judy will be greatly missed. Her example and legacy of love, kindness, service, faith, creativity, and hard work will live on through her incredible posterity. The countless lives she touched will carry pieces of her with them, and the love she poured into her family will continue for generations to come.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Noon with a viewing held prior from 10-11:30 A.M. All services will be held at the Tremonton Stake Center (660 N 300 W- Tremonton). Interment will take place in the Fielding Cemetery. The service will be livestreamed and can be accessed below.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to the Missionary Department of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.