Rowena Alice Coleman Richardson

Rowena C. Richardson, 82, passed away on November 4, 2010 after a long illness.

Rowena leaves behind a daughter, Sherry Richardson Coffey; and a son, Shane A. Richardson and his wife, Linda; four grandchildren, Georgina Coffey, Caitlin Richardson, Jennifer Walsh, and Patricia Walsh.

Rowena was born in Grand Junction, Colorado on October 28, 1928 to Russel and Cleo Coleman. She graduated from Grand Junction High School at 16, and attended Colorado A&M College in Fort Collins. There she met her future husband of 58 years, James A. Richardson, and began a career in education that spanned 42 years and five states as she and Jim lived their adventure in the National Park Service. She earned a BA from CSU and MA from SPU.

"Mrs.Richardson," as she was known, taught every grade between first and eighth except second. She was vice principal at John Muir Elementary, and principal at Juanita, Central, and Cathcart Elementary Schools. She retired in 1991 to Skyland Limousin Ranch where she and Jim had been living and raising cattle since 1977.

Rowena was a woman of many talents and interests, loving wife, educator and educational mentor, lover of God, gardens and flowers. She was a rancher, good neighbor and friend to many. She was a patriot, positive thinker, and beloved family matriarch.

Visitation will be from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., Friday, November 12, at Bauer Funeral Chapel in Snohomish, WA. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, November 13, at Snohomish United Methodist Church. Rowena will be laid to rest at Tahoma National Cemetery with her beloved husband, James.

Arrangements under the direction of Bauer Funeral Chapel, Snohomish, WA.