Eileen E. Richey
On July 23, 2017, Eileen went to see her relatives; she passed in her sleep, with a smile at her son Tom’s home.
Eileen Ella Richey was born on Aug. 28, 1928 in Harlowton, Montana to Raymond and Ruth (Sanner) George. Eileen joined siblings Bessie, Teka, Bill, and later joined by Ed. Mary Ann Sanner-Cole completed family at age three when Ruth’s (sister Beulla) Southern became ill.
In August 1928, the George family was working on a “Harvest Crew,” Ray was harvesting and Ruth was cooking, and Gramma told Grampa Ray it was time. They flagged the train down-Grampa Ray got Gramma Ruth on a cab to the hospital in Harlowton, MT, and he and the three girls continued on to Round Up, where they lived. He left the kids with his sister Ella (lee) Sanner and caught the next train back to Harlowton.
The George family moved to Helena in January 1, 1932. They ended up on West Main where they lived through high school.
Mom Told stories about the “Big Quake” of 1935. She was in 1st grade and remembers Brother Bill coming home with 2 pockets full of money from selling Papers.
Eileen married Leo Pocha in 1947 and had 5 children, Bill, Tom, Sue, Daniel, and Leo. Eileen married twice more and had 4 more children Ed, Kate, Allan, and Chet. Her 3rd husband John Richey passed in January of 1989.
Eileen enjoyed the outdoors, camping, and hiking, with the family. She seemed to have a camera in hand most of the time. She also loved a good “Road Trip.”
Of her 9 children she buried 4 of them; Susan in 1974, Leo in 1978, Allan and Bill in 2007. Losing one was hard but to put four children in “God’s Hands” would be tough.
Eileen retired at Dept. of Revenue with the State of Montana in 1988. She did a little, traveling and spending time with her family.
Eileen’s house was always open to her extended family, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and any strays that needed a meal, bed or just a ride.
Her mother Ruth George lived with her on and off for most of her last 15 years. They were BFF before there were BFFs.
She raised her family with love, laughter, compassion for others and a firm rule that folks deserve respect and a hand-up when you can. The Pocha/Richey clan was dysfunctional long before dysfunctional was popular and we have Eileen to thank.
She was a caregiver to her son Allan for the last 8 years of his life. A job she wore like a “Medal of Honor.” She said, “you have children for life.”
She lived with her favorite son Tom most of the last 2 years. One day as he was helping her with her coat, he looked and said, “85 years ago did you think I’d be zipping up your coat?”
He made her homemade egg nog every 10-12 days for the last year and a half. There is nothing like seeing your 88 year old mother looking up at you with a tooth-less smile and eggnog mustache saying “you’re such a good boy!”
A celebration of Eileen’s life will begin at 2:00p.m. Friday, July 28, 2017 at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 511 Park Ave, Helena, MT 59601. A reception will immediately follow the service in the lower level of the church. Interment will take place at Forestvale cemetery at a later date. Memorials in Eileen’s name may be made to the Leo Pocha Memorial Clinic, at the Helena Indian Alliance.
Michael McVeigh says
Although Eileen and I never quite saw things the same way, she always greeted me with the same banter every time.
I met the Pocha/Richey family when they moved to Rimini, Montana in the 70’s. Leo became one of my best friends, but Eddie and I didn’t get along too good. Katie and Chester were quite young then (as we all were). I never got to know the older brothers very well, except Danny and he has been a friend ever since. I highly respect his custom Ford cars and trucks as well as his taking over the family business.
I will miss Eileen giving me a bad time every time she saw me, but someday I may again see her in heaven. God rest her soul. My prayers and condolences go out to the entire family.
Carol buerman says
My sincere Sympathy’s Tom to you and your family. Eileen was a bright light wherever she was and she felt very lucky to be with all her children. Her love of her children, family and life was evident in her smile and witt. Blessings for all in the days ahead…I trust your memories and sharing will bring cleansing tears and a smile to your face.
Denise Cook says
My condolences go out to Eileen’s family. I have been fortunate to meet quite a few of the Pochas and they are a rare breed. Through the many classic car events and the Last Chance Community Pow Wows, I see family members, especially those close to Daniel Pocha, whom I’m lucky to know, even though he picks on me. I can just imagine what Eileen was like. I hope all the happy memories will stay with you and you will keep Eileen in your hearts forever.
Doc and Bev Carl says
Our condolences to the entire family. Eileen was a great woman. Loved by many.