Lena Marie Richards

Lena was the fourth of five children born to James Monroe Herndon and Tilda Ann Herndon. She was the last to survive. Most of Lena’s childhood was spent on an 80 acre farm in Vinita, Oklahoma. She had many fond memories growing up and shared them often with family and friends.

In 1945 she met and married Gerauld Henderson. The couple moved to Michigan and had two children. After a few years they moved to Phoenix, Arizona, bought a home, and raised their children. Lena gained employment with the Scottsdale School District where she eventually retired as a Food Service Manager at the Arcadia High School. Lena enjoyed collecting earrings, arts and crafts and joined a bowling league with Gerauld.

In 1975, Lena was married to Robert Martin Richards. The couple remained in Phoenix for a few years and later moved to buy a home in New River, Arizona.

Lena was active in her church helping with special events. She began visiting “The Village” assisted living facility offering fellowship and tasty snacks to the residents. After a few years of service she retired due to medical issues

Lena and Martin traveled extensively, covering all 50 states and Canada. In 2017, Martin passed away and Lena moved to Colorado to live with her daughter Brenda. In her eight years with Brenda, she lived in Colorado, Maine and Iowa - where she passed away.

Throughout her life she remained a Johnny Cash Fan and loved baseball. She talked often about going through the Great Depression and how her mother overcame obstacles during the Dust Bowl.

In a 101 years she saw the world go from covered wagons to the technology we have today. She surely saw more changes than most of us can imagine. When asked how she lived so long and looked so good she quickly replied, “ I stay out of the bars and off the freeways”. When asked about her favorite memory she replied, “Israel”. Lena shared how emotional she became realizing she was “walking in the same places Jesus walked.”

Lena was survived by her two children, Brenda & Harold, 5 step children and many grandchildren, great and great great grandchildren.