Today we invite you to join us in celebrating the life of Annabelle Faye Richards. Annabelle died on Friday, May 10, 2019. She was 85 years young. Annabelle enjoyed many accomplishments and successes through the years and was fortunate to have lived a very full and satisfying life
First and foremost, Annabelle would want you to remember her as a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She and her late husband, Ron, were high school sweethearts and enjoyed nearly 35 years of marriage before his untimely death in 1990. Together they raised three children — Kent, Brent and Lisa. Among the many lessons she taught her children, Annabelle emphasized the importance of knowing right from wrong, respect for others, and the strength of a smile. While petite in stature, Annabelle was fiercely protective of her children as any good mother bear would be. Annabelle was also very proud of her four grandchildren — Brandey, Griffin, Rachael and Jillian. She will forever be remembered by Griff and Rachael as “Pooka.”
Annabelle was born and raised in Missoula where she attended Missoula County High School. In 1964, the family planted their roots in Helena. Annabelle loved Helena and enjoyed everything it offers from the history of downtown to sporting events at Carroll College, the hustle and bustle of the Capitol during legislative sessions to the charm of its small-town atmosphere and everything in-between. She was particularly proud of the home she and Ron built on Highland which provided them with many opportunities through the years to host parties and other social gatherings. It would be remiss of us not to mention that, while Annabelle was a good Catholic and fan of the Fighting Saints, her loyalty to the Griz remained strong throughout her life. Go Griz!!
Together with Ron, Annabelle was quite involved in politics. She believed deeply in social justice, honesty, equal rights, equal opportunity, fiscal responsibility and the power of grassroots activism. She was a proud Democrat and believed that listening more than talking and considering all sides of an issue before taking a stand would yield the greatest results. Annabelle’s only venture into public office was a brief term as a Helena City Commissioner, a position she was very proud to have held. For many years, Annabelle was a member of the Helena Kiwanis Club. She would often talk about how much she enjoyed the weekly meetings and the wonderful friendships that grew out of her involvement in Kiwanis.
Annabelle graduated from St. Patrick’s School of Nursing in Missoula and was a registered nurse. Throughout her life, she applied her training and the many lessons she learned as a nurse to careers in other health-related fields. During her time at the Montana Foundation for Medical Care, Annabelle managed the peer review program. She also wrote weekly newspaper columns that addressed health issues and, for a number of years, hosted the television show, “Vital Signs” which was televised state-wide. When she and Ron temporarily moved to Washington D.C. in the late 1980’s, Annabelle served on the Senate Select Committee on Aging, a committee chaired by the late Senator John Melcher.
From a very young age, Annabelle honed her artistic talent and, to this day, many friends and family members proudly display her charcoal portraits in their homes. She had a gift for finding that “special little something” in every portrait she sketched – a sparkle in the eye or a slight grin – that would bring to life the personality of the individual in the picture.
Later in life, Annabelle cherished most her deep and loving friendships with so many wonderful people – you know who you are. These friends offered Annabelle unique life experiences, companionship, joy, and purpose. It goes without saying that her life would not have been nearly as rich without you.
So today, while we mourn the loss of one of Helena’s finest residents, we hope you will take a moment to remember Annabelle in your own, unique way.
Annabelle is preceded in death by her husband, Ron, her sister and brother-in-law, Patricia and Edward (Kuke) Kukay of Butte and niece Kathy (Kukay) McCarthy. She is survived by her sons, Kent Richards (Linda Lee), Brent Richards, daughter Lisa Wallace (Ron Wallace), grandchildren Brandey Davenport (Ken Davenport), Griffin Rusk (Krista Rusk), Rachael Rusk (fiancé Andrew Moore), Jillian Richards, nephews Paul Kukay of Libby, Mike Kukay of Butte and niece Patty (Kukay) Kluksdahl of Woodland Park, CO. The family extends a special thanks to Sidney Armstrong whose friendship and support have remained steadfast for many, many years.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12:10 p.m. on Wednesday, June 5, 2019 at Saint Mary Catholic Community, 1700 Missoula Avenue, Helena with a funeral reception following in the lower level of the church. Following the reception, Rite of Committal will be held at Resurrection Cemetery, 3700 N. Montana Ave. in Helena. In lieu of flowers, memorials in honor of Annabelle are suggested to Lewis & Clark Humane Society, P.O. Box 4455, Helena, MT 59604 or to Hospice of St. Peter’s Health, c/o St. Peter’s Health, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Annabelle.
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
12:10 p.m.
Wednesday June 5, 2019
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following Mass
Wednesday June 5, 2019
Lower level of Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
Following the reception
Wednesday June 5, 2019
Resurrection Cemetery
3700 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
12:10 p.m.
Wednesday June 5, 2019
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following Mass
Wednesday June 5, 2019
Lower level of Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
Following the reception
Wednesday June 5, 2019
Resurrection Cemetery
3700 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Jim and Sally says
Kent and family
We are sorry to hear of your mothers passing. Thoughts and prayers are with you all, now, and the days ahead. God bless!
Allen Stenhjem says
Kent
What a wonderful lady will truly be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowinlg
Annabelle God. Bless……….
Ellen B Baumler says
Annabelle was one of the most dynamic and enthusiastic women I have had the pleasure to know. She was so generous with her personal experiences and allowed me to write about them. I will always remember the interviews with her and her wonderful sense of spirituality. I will cherish my memories of her.
Tara says
I am so sorry for your family’s loss. We are all affected by death, no matter what our age is. The Bible tells us that Jehovah God sees our pain and suffering. And soon he will put an end to death for good. He even promises a resurrection of our loved ones. (John 5:28,29). I hope this brings you some comfort during this time of grief.
Bill Houston says
She was a super lady and the Helena community will miss her.
Chantelle McDuffie says
So sorry for your loss – Annabelle was an amazing woman.
Daryl Cheek says
Lisa Kent and Brent. I am sorry to read of your mother passing. She was a beautiful person, with a beautiful smile… a pleasure to have known her.
Denise Marie Hayden says
Kent & Brent, So sorry to hear about your mom. I’ll always remember her as the social butterfly. Dressed to the T. Love you all!
Joanie Werner Mathis says
I was Annabelle’s banker for many years and with that became friends! Such a gracious lady!
Jane says
Annabelle was particularly special to me as we met just as I was going through a divorce. She offered her friendship and understanding, and even when we’d see each other on the street days, months, years later she always remembered me and seemed so glad to see me…as I was to see her. You were privileged to have had such a mother and I’m sorry for the pain of losing her.
Nancy Kukay says
Annabelle was a bright light wherever she went. She has a talent for making everyone feel comfortable and welcome. I am so sorry to hear of her passing but know she lead a full, happy life. My condolences to her children and grandchildren. BTW, ‘Pooka’ is the BEST name for a grandmother ever!
Diane Macaraeg Langenfus says
My earliest memories of Annabelle go back to those party days in their lovely home. Ron and Annabelle hosted the KMTX Christmas Party up till their brief move to DC. They could always to be counted on for anything the Democratic Party needed from either of them and Annabelle continued that support long into her years.
I’ll never forget her showing up at the very first Kay McKenna foundation for “Kay’s Kids” kick off at Carroll College wearing her cheerleader outfit from College days in the 50’s. No one but petite Annabelle could still fit in things we wore in College. She showed up every year after that wearing it. And was a big supporter of that and many community events in Helena.
I’ll never forget her bubbling personality, always smiling, always making folks feel good about themselves.
My deepest condolences to all her family and closest friends (as she had many). She will truly be missed by all. Helena has lost another bright shinning star!
Mike and Diane (Mckeever) Langenfus
Eve Byron says
Annabelle was a lovely, amazing woman who made a significant mark in Helena. I enjoyed working with her, especially during her time on the commission.
Rae Olsen says
Annabelle was one of the kindest, nicest people I have ever known. Her dynamic energy brought sparkle and joy to each chapter of her life. Whether it was family, friends, health care work or politics, when Annabelle was involved, her spirit lifted all whom she touched. I will miss her.
Julie & Jim DeMars says
Richards Family,
We are so sorry to hear of beautiful Annabelle’s passing. Please know that we are thinking of you all and keeping you in our prayers.
Bob says
Kent, My sympathies in the loss of your mother. I knew Anabelle and Ron and thought highly of them both. Such a beautiful mom you had Kent. Thinking of you this day.
Bob Gilbert
Lynn Cheek (Tobol) says
Lisa, Kent, Brent and family. I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. She was one classy lady and always had a smile on her face. One special mother, grandmother and friend. Remember her by the good times. My heart breaks for all of you. Love and Hugs.
Devin Alexander says
What a wonderful lady! I worked with Annabelle during her time with the Senate Special Committee on Aging in Washington, D.C. My sincere condolences to the family and friends. I just learned of her passing this evening. May your wonderful memories comfort you in the years to come.