Karen Richards

Karen Marie Denstad Bodell Richards, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, died at home January 29, 2018, after a brave and well-fought battle with leukemia. She was preceded in death by her mother, Marie Burton Bodell, her two fathers, Frank Ingvald Denstad and Blaine Chipman Bodell, her brother, Richard Bodell, and her sister, Susan Jones. She leaves behind her husband, Dr. C. David Richards, her three children David F. Richards, Lisa Smith, and Raemi Hatchett, and 13 grandchildren.

Born and raised in Salt Lake City, Karen attended Granite High School where she was president of the Pep Club and graduated with honors in 1961. Thereafter she attended BYU.

She married her high school sweetheart in 1964. Her early-married life was spent in New York City working as a legal secretary while her husband attended medical school. She later became executive secretary to one of the leading professors at Cornell University Medical College in NYC.

Karen’s first priority was her family. She left her career to become a full-time mom and spent countless hours serving her family, her church, and her community. She was a devoted mother who always put others first and created a home that allowed her husband and children to flourish and succeed in whatever tasks they undertook.

Later in life she worked at Beehive Clothing and enjoyed serving in the Salt Lake Temple.

Karen was a friend to everyone and improved the life of all with whom she came in contact. She never complained or spoke badly of anyone. She was a gentle and loving soul who did much good, and whose influence will be greatly missed.

A Memorial Service for Karen will be held on Saturday, February 3, 2018 at the Cottonwood Stake Center, 1250 East 4800 South at 11:00AM with a viewing at the same location one hour prior. There will also be a viewing on Friday from 5:00PM to 9:00PM at the Stake Center.

In lieu of flowers, please help others by giving to LDS Philanthropies (ldsphilanthropies.org) or another charitable organization.