JoAnn Richards, age 81, of Sac City, Iowa, passed away Saturday, June 2, 2007, at her home surrounded by her family, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, June 9th, at 11:00 a.m., at Cory Grove Cemetery with Rev. Matt Milligan officiating. There will be no visitation.

JoAnn was born on September 1, 1925, in Nemaha, Iowa, the daughter of Robert H. and Georgia L. (Patee) Page. She attended Nemaha Grade School and High School. On October 18, 1948, JoAnn was united in marriage to Ben Richards at Elk Point, South Dakota. They made their home south of Sac City where they raised their three sons: Galen, Jeff, and Steve. Together Ben and JoAnn established Richards Construction. She never did retire from keeping the books and running the office. In her younger years she helped Ben with the farm work, enjoyed gardening, and her puppies, especially her Corgi’s.

JoAnn was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She loved to spend time with her family, having a house full of kids and dogs for the weekend brought her great joy. She was so proud of all their accomplishments. Many friends will fondly remember the weekly socials and great food at her house on Sunday nights. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Sac City.

Those left to cherish her life include her loving husband of 58 years, Ben Richards; her three sons: Galen (Denise) Richards of Omaha, Nebraska; Jeff Richards of Ida Grove, Iowa; and Steve (Rose) Richards of Sac City; five grandchildren: Heather Richards of Olathe, Kansas; Barb Richards and T J Padavich of Galva, Iowa; Kari Richards and her fiancé Lee Siegner of Ida Grove; Ben Richards of Ida Grove; and Shawn Richards of Sac City; and two great-grandchildren: Dylan Richards and Paige Padavich both of Galva. Other survivors include her brothers: Robert Page of Sac City and Russell (Joyce) Page of Wall Lake; extended family members; and a host of friends and neighbors. Her puppies and best friends: Coco and Missy will surely miss her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Georgia Page; and sister-in-law, LuAnn Page.

“She was the sunshine of our home.”