RICHARDS
Edna May (Mumford) passed away suddenly and peacefully in her home on January 10, 2016 after a long life dedicated to her family, friends and community. Left with the memories are her children Jerry (Lorraine), Jill, and Lyle (Debbie), grandchildren Blake (Michelle), Curtis (Nicole), Darcy (Erin), Nadene (Cam), Lisa (Rick), Joe (Kassandra) and Kelsey (Jesse), 11 great grandchildren and step-grandchildren Randi and Mike. Her sister Muriel Noble, sister-in-laws and brother-in-laws, Ralph and Jean Richards, Eleanor Mauchline, Lucille and John Turnquist, numerous nieces and nephews and many friends also mourn her loss. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Mel (1999), her parents, Mel's parents, a granddaughter Chelsea, three brother-in-laws and one sister-in law. Edna was born in Olds on January 18, 1927 and grew up northwest of Olds. She attended Eagle Creek School and travelled to school by horseback. High school education was not offered at Eagle Creek School so Edna boarded in Olds and completed her high school. Many students were boarding in Olds to complete their education and Edna made many lifelong friendships. Later in life, Edna organized school reunions with her high school friends. The reunions soon became an annual event as she loved reminiscing with her old chums. After high school she worked at Craig's and later as a telephone operator at AGT in Olds. In May 1947 she married Mel Richards and they moved to the farm east of Olds where she was still residing. In 1952 she was stricken with polio and spent many months in the Royal Alexander Hospital in Edmonton. During her stay in hospital she gave birth to Lyle. She was finally discharged from the hospital and went home in a wheelchair. She had three small children and a husband to care for and was determined that she would walk again. Her positive attitude, strong will and tenacity enabled her, over time, to get back on her feet with the aid of a cane. Edna loved music, flowers, scenery, a good game of cards and going for drives - which she and Mel did often. She loved the farm and animals, especially her American Eskimo dog. She also enjoyed the yearly, week long trip to Fairmont with Mel and the friends and family who joined them. Later the trip to Fairmont was enjoyed with Jill and often some grandchildren and great grandchildren. She played the piano, and later in life she learned to play the saxophone and was a member of the Olds Community Band. She thoroughly enjoyed the local jam sessions and was one of the organizers. She was a Charter Member of the Coburn Women's Institute, a member of the Olds United Church and the UCW, Coburn Community Club and a former Leader of the Girls Club. She was also part of a scrabble group of friends which met weekly. She was a regular volunteer when baking was required and was always willing to do her part, which often consisted of the "ticket taker" at the door of the function. She was famous for her skits and poems which she wrote and read for many events. She drove her own vehicle and loved to pick up her friends at home or at the lodge to go on road trips to the jam session or just to the Dairy Queen - often keeping her friends out beyond the lodge curfew!! She was independent and liked to do it her way! She was much loved by all her family and loved to host the family gatherings. The great grandchildren loved riding with her on her golf cart with her dog trailing behind. The golf cart enabled her to independently enjoy the outdoors and tour the garden and farm at her leisure.
She was a wonderful role model for her family and lived a rich and full life. She had a great sense of humour and loved to have fun and a good laugh. Her life philosophy was "Live while you live - seize the pleasures of the present day." A service to celebrate her life was held on January 18, 2016 at the Olds United Church at 2 p.m. with Reverend Tammy Allan officiating. Beautiful tributes were given by Blake Richards and Lisa Jocson & Darcy Richards on behalf of all the grandchildren. Nadene Kryway created a Video Tribute that was produced by Cam Kryway and Rick Jocson. The many friends and extended family present were also a wonderful tribute to Edna. If desired, memorial tributes may be directed to the Olds & Distrist Hospice Society, Olds Royal Canadian Legion #105 - Poppy Fund, Olds & District Kiwanis Music Festival or Olds United Church. Heartland Funeral Services Ltd., Olds entrusted with arrangements. 403-507-8610 www.heartlandfuneralservices.com