Dolores Jane Richards

Dolores Jane Richards, longtime Puyallup resident, passed away peacefully on September 6, 2025 at the age of 91.

She was born on February 17, 1934, in Deadwood, South Dakota, and spent her early childhood in Clifton, Arizona. At the age of 11, her family moved to Puyallup, Washington, where she attended Stewart Grade School and Puyallup Junior/Senior High School. During this time, she met her future husband, Ray Richards. Her family later relocated to Bremerton, where she graduated from Bremerton High School in 1953.

Dolores married Ray on September 3, 1953, while he was serving in the U.S. Army and stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska. Their daughter, Lizabeth, was born later that year. The couple lived in Alaska until 1955 before settling in the Puyallup Valley, where they built their first home together. They went on to welcome two sons, Michael and Steven, and over the years built six homes together in Puyallup.

Dolores worked as a hostess at Johnny’s on the Mall for 20 years, where she was known for her friendly smile and warm hospitality. After retiring, she and Ray spent winters in Arizona traveling in their motorhome until Ray’s passing in 1996.

Dolores was an excellent cook and baker—her pies were a family favorite—and she loved having large family dinners with the kids and grandkids over the years. She took pride in her home and was known in the neighborhood for her beautifully maintained yard filled with flowers each summer.

A lover of travel, Dolores explored Mexico, Hawaii, Scotland, England, and Ireland, and enjoyed cruises to Panama, the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Mexico, Canada, and along the West Coast.

She also cherished time with friends, especially her Bunco and card groups, and enjoyed casino trips with her “gambling girls.”

Dolores was preceded in death by her husband, Ray Richards; her son, Michael Richards (Susie); and her brother, David Martin (Bonnie). She is survived by her children, Lizabeth (Chris) and Steven (Missy); her grandchildren, Crissy, Kyle, Cory, Miranda, and Marriah; and her great-grandchildren, Ellary, Colton, Nathan, Michael, and Mazie; as well as many loving friends and neighbors who will miss her dearly.

Dolores will be remembered for her zest for life, love of family and friendship and her many adventures.

Celebration of life will be help on Monday, November 3rd at 11 am at Peace Lutheran Church.