Thora Richards

Thora Hill Richards, 83, returned to her heavenly home on April 28, 2024, in Brigham City, Utah surrounded by her children.
She was born August 10, 1940 in Logan, Utah. She was the fourth of five children born to Elmer Dellas Poppleton and Mary Smith Bailey Hill. She was raised in Wellsville, Utah and always had a special place in her heart for Cache Valley.
Thora married Howard LaMont Speth on March 6, 1957. They were later sealed in the Logan LDS Temple on July 30, 1964. They later divorced. She married Dean LeRoy Richards on April 3, 1979 in the Ogden LDS Temple. Together Dean and Thora had two little girls. With Thora's six children, Dean's nine children, and their two girls, there was a grand total of seventeen children. After 36 years of marriage, Dean passed away in January 2015.
Thora happily served in many callings in the LDS church including Primary president, Cub Scout den mother, Primary presidency, Relief Society teacher, Primary teacher, and Activity Days leader just to name a few. She also served as Compassionate Service Leader for the Brigham City 10th Ward for over a decade. She had mastered the calling and provided endless hours of service for families welcoming babies, losing loved ones, and any other needs. She was a very faithful ministering sister and loved those she served. Thora and Dean served an LDS service mission at the Bishop's Storehouse in Brigham City and enjoyed their years of service there. Thora served as a temple worker in the Brigham City Temple for almost four years. Working in the temple brought her great joy.
Momma was an incredible homemaker. She spent endless hours sewing, canning, candy-making, cooking, baking, and making every holiday and birthday memorable. She started many wonderful traditions that her children carry on to this day. Her greatest joy was being a mother and a grandmother to 20 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and over 100 step grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She had a love for the mountains, horseback riding, and dancing. She had great pride and respect for her country and also marveled at the beauties of the earth, especially watching a beautiful sunset.
Thora resided for the last couple of years at Brigham City Maple Springs Independent Living Center where she was blessed to meet Jim Nusbaum. He brought a sparkle to her eye and they enjoyed a sweet companionship until his death in July 2023.
Thora is survived by her sister, Ramona Thompson; and six of her biological children: Pixie Armendariz, Tracie (LaMar) North, Kim (Connie) Speth, Janette (Bret) Scoffield, Mary (John Paul II) Ballif, and Nancy (Ian) Ashcroft. She is also survived by eight of her step-children: Steven (Pamela) Richards, Terry (Harold) Fillmore, Rex (Patsy) Richards, Lucille (Clarke) Fowers, Kathleen (Kevin) Bell, Kevin (Jeri) Richards, Jay (Carri) Richards, and Scott (Amy) Richards.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband (Dean), sister and brother-in-law (Evadeane and Dee Mitton), brother and sister-in-law (Dellas and Geraldean Hill), step-daughter (Irene Moore) and several sweet baby boys: Rex Hill (brother), Jed Speth (son), Lonnie Speth (son), Gary Armendariz Jr. (grandson), Tyler Ballif (grandson), and Landon Reese (great-grandson).
The family would like to express their deep gratitude to the staff of the Brigham City Maple Springs Independent Living Center and the Lighthouse Mission for their love and compassion while caring for our mother the past two years.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, May 6, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the Brigham City South Stake Center, 865 South 300 West, Brigham City, UT. Viewings will be held on Sunday, May 5, 2024 in the evening from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Myers Mortuary, 205 S. 100 E., Brigham City, Utah, and prior to the service on Monday May, 6, 2024 from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. at the Brigham City South Stake Center. Interment will be at the Wellsville City Cemetery. Her service will be livestreamed at the following link: https://myersmortuary.livecontrol.tv/4533a820.