Kleis RichardsonMarch 9, 1925 - August 3, 2014Kleis Walker Richardson, age 89, died at her home in Pocatello, Idaho, on August 3, 2014. She was born on March 9, 1925 in her grandparent's farmhouse in Leamington, Utah, and was the first of two daughters born to Leslie George Walker and Margie Finlinson Walker. She spent the early years of her life in the tiny town of Lynndyl, Utah. At the age of nine, she moved to Pocatello where she graduated from Pocatello High School in 1943. While employed at Idaho State University, she was assigned to give out scholarship money. When approached by a tall, handsome football player, she handed him a check and then offered to help him spend it. Louis Ray (Pete) Richardson accepted her offer, taking her on their first date on Valentine's Day. They were married on June 15, 1947, living in Blackfoot, Idaho, and Fortuna, California, before moving to Pittsburg, California, where they resided for the next 53 years, before returning to Pocatello in 2013. In her younger years, Kleis loved to swing dance to Big Band music. However, she gave up dancing after their children were born, focusing all her time and attention on her family. She attended hundreds of baseball, basketball, and football games in support of her husband's coaching career and her sons' as players. She was a loving wife and mother, and adored by her grandchildren. Kleis is survived by her husband, Pete, and their four children: Ray Richardson (Shawn) of Rocklin, CA; Neal Richardson (DeVon) of Pocatello, ID; Nancy Rollins (Jay) of Montclair, VA; and Rex Richardson of Boise, ID. She is also survived by her sister, Udene Elsen, of Pocatello, 13 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by daughter-in-law Tracy Richardson and great-grandson Colin Quigley. A private family service was held on August 4 th.Arrangements are under the direction of the Cornelison Funeral Home, 431 N. 15th Ave., Pocatello, 232-0542. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.cornelisonfh.com.
You can to the family or in memory of Kleis Richardson.
Guestbook