Martha Ann Richards

Martha Ann Goddard Richards beloved Mother, Grandmother and Aunt passed away at her home on May 13th, 2018 and returned to her heavenly father. Martha was born on June 2, 1932 to Leonard Eugene and Dorothy Mazel Elliott. She was the third of four daughters, Jean, Gladys Mae (Pat), and younger sister Shirley Maxine. She spent most of her life in Pocatello, Idaho. She attended Pocatello High School and was a diehard Indian fan. In 1950 she married Frank Peter Croshaw in Pocatello, Idaho. To this union was born the oldest daughter Patricia Lynn. They were later divorced, and she married Noel Richards on December 18th, 1954. To this union brought two more girls, Nancy Ann and Lindsay Marel, and a son Merritt Franklin. Martha loved working in her yard and spending time at the cabin in Island Park, she also enjoyed watching almost any sport televised. In October of 1990 Noel passed away, and in 2001, Martha reconnected with Tom Roberts who had lost his wife and had been friends with Noel in their early years. Together they spent the next 10 years working their small farm in Downey, Idaho. The farm consisted of two horses, 10 cats, six dogs, 2 ducks, and who knows what other animals she befriended.

A loving Mother, Grandmother and Aunt, she will be missed but not forgotten by her family. She loved her family and every animal that walked this earth. She befriended every stray dog and cat that ever crossed her path. We do not have enough paper to name all the animals that she took in over the years.

She is proceeded in death by her husband Noel, her loving friend Tom, her parents and grandparents, all three sisters, two brothers-in-law, a great-granddaughter Alexandra Jordyn Gossett and a great-great-grandson Zeke.

She is survived by her three daughters; Patty Gossett (Warren), Nancy Kelly (Dale) Lindsay Manginell (Dominic) and one son Merritt Richards (Cheryl) and her brother-in-law Merritt Thornhill; 13 grandchildren, Heather Liljenquist (Joe), Collin Gossett (Eden), Cori Spillett (Dave), Kristoffer Kelly, Mandy Larsen (John), Katheryn Richards, Tyler Kelly (Lindsay), Crena Messinger (Scott), Colton Bischoff, Mack Bischoff (Priscilla), Riann Collins, Brittany Beers, and Jacob Christopher (Anastasia}. She is also survived by 31 great grand-children, Mason, Riley, Jayna, Alysa, Akasha, Gracie, Tristan, Anthony, Adi, Michael, Ashton, Kaidince, Kennedy, JoLee, Bryant, Jaxon, Jordyn, Patrick, Trey, Eli, Cache, Lucan, Presley, London, Emma, Tannen, Gracelynn, Asher, Braelyn, Brooklyn and Addison and one great-great-grandchild, Kaibree.

She is also survived by nieces Jami Shanahan (Pat), Jeddi Sue Wagstaff (Ron), Cindy Mathis, Dorothy Rimmer (Marshall). Noellee Shaw (Greg) and nephews Brent Florek (Laurie) David Florek (Candy) and their respective families. She is also survived by her extended family, Maryann Harris, Tommy Roberts and Katie Harris.

A viewing will be held from 4 to 6 pm Sun May 20th at Wilks Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held at 3:15pm on Mon May 21st at Mountain View Cemetery in Section 9 East.

A special thanks to Cassie Snell, Tammy Moore and Jodie from Heritage Home Health, your tender mercies and loving care will not be forgotten. To everyone at Friends and Family for the help they have given over the years. To Matt Lee and the crew at dialysis center, we cannot thank you enough for everything you have done. We would also like to thank Dr. Francisco and staff at the cancer center for the care and support they provided.

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