Cheryl was born August 24, 1929, in Henry, SD, to Clifford Glidden and Arlene

(Aldous) Glidden. She graduated from Belle Fourche High School in 1947 and prior to marrying the love of her life, Thomas W. Richards on September 5, 1948, she worked at the Bell Telephone Office and Creamery. Once married, they moved to the Trojan/Lead area and had 4 children together.

Cheryl worked at the Piggly Wiggly and Lead High School as they raised their family. She greatly enjoyed her family and was a loving mother & grandmother.

Cheryl was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church in Lead and was deeply devoted to helping church members and elderly neighbors in need. She played the cello beautifully and enjoyed all genres of music. Her family and friends will always remember her as a kind gentle soul as well as a patron of the arts.

Cheryl Lou Richards, age 88, died October 28, 2017, at the David M. Dorsett Healthcare Community in Spearfish, SD, after a lengthy illness.

Cheryl is survived by her husband, Thomas W. Richards of Lead, SD; son, Conrad M. Richards (Bonnie) of Redford, MI; daughter, Roxanne M. Qualley (Steven) of Bloomington, IN; son, Travis G. Richards (Amy) of Lead, SD; son, Trent C. Richards (Lila) of Hawarden, IA; sister, Vera D. Iverson (Ken) of Manassas, VA; 10 grandchildren: April A. Decker (Nathan) of Bothell, WA; Michelle M. Qualley (Jason) of Bloomington, IN; Jon Richards (Adriana) of Deerborn Heights, MI; Ryan Richards (Charity) of Redford, MI; Jennifer McKenny (Jon) of Inwood, IA; Alecia Ellerkamp (Andy) of Culbertson, MT; Jasmine Kaskie (John) of LeMars, IA; Zach Richards (Carmen) of Moorcroft, WY; Kyle Richards of Emporia, KS; and Brooke Richards of Spearfish, SD; 14 great-grandchildren; and many nieces & nephews.

She was preceded in death by her infant son, Mark T. Richards; parents, Clifford & Arlene Glidden of Belle Fourche, SD; sister, Betty Jensen of Spearfish, SD; and numerous lifelong friends that held a special place in her heart.

Services for Cheryl will be held at the Trinity United Methodist Church in Lead, SD, on Saturday, November 4, 2017, at 9:00 a.m. Graveside rites will follow at the Mountain Lawn Cemetery. Pastor Connie Eichinger will officiate. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Cheryl's life.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.

Click on link to view service folder