Claire Richards

Biography

Claire Dyreng Richards

Claire Dyreng Richards passed away Sunday morning April 22, 2013 in Ogden, Utah. Claire was born June 29, 1926 in Manti, Utah to Ray Peter Dyreng and Nettie May Wintch Dyreng. She was one of eight children. Her childhood and growing up years were spent in Manti with the beautiful temple overlooking the valley. She loved her beautiful home there and the many fine people of Manti.

After attending schools in Manti, she went to BYU where she graduated with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She taught music at the Timpanogos Elementary School in Provo. She then served a full time mission in the North Central States Mission.

Following her mission, Claire studied voice in New York City. It was there in the choir loft of Manhattan Ward that she met her sweetheart, G. William Richards. They were married in the Manti Temple and returned to New York City where they lived for several more years. Their first two sons were born in New York City.

Bill’s position with the American Cancer Society took them to Reno, Nevada for thirteen years, where two more children were born, then back again to the east where they lived in Short Hills, New Jersey. After Bill’s retirement in 1981, they returned to Salt Lake City.

Claire’s life was devoted to serving her family, the church and her many cherished friends and neighbors. Claire served as a stake and ward Young Womens President, stake Relief Society President, and ward R.S. president twice. In addition to the mission in the North Central States, she served a church service mission on Temple Square. She was a member of the Tabernacle Choir.

Claire was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bill. She is survived by their three sons and one daughter: Dr. Ray (Jan) Richards, St. George, Robert (Nicki) South Ogden, David (Shyrl) Longmont, CO, and Elizabeth (Jon) Tenney, Irvine, CA, 19 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren, one sister Pauline (Udell) Poulsen, SLC, and one brother, Paul (Delma) Dyreng, Gunnison.

Funeral services will be held Saturday April 27, 2013 at 11:00 A.M. in the Foothill 7th Ward, 2215 E. Roosevelt Ave. (about 1450 S). A viewing will be from 9:30 to 10:30 A.M. prior to the service. Interment will follow in the Salt Lake City Cemetery. Arrangements are under the care of Russon Brothers Mortuary. Online guestbook at www.russonmortuary.com