Ann Marie (Aitken) Richards, 71, Spearfish, died peacefully on January 23rd, 2013 surrounded by her family.

Ann was born March 15, 1941 in Jelico, Tennessee. She attended school in Illinois and California before settling in N. Sioux City, IA where she graduated from Sioux City Central High School in 1959.

She met the love of her life, Gary R. Richards, while attending USD in Vermillion while obtaining a bachelors degree in Library Science. They married in 1964 and lived in Washington DC and Pierre, SD before settling in Spearfish to raise a family.

Once her children were older she worked part time at Grace Balloch Memorial Library for many years and later worked in the Finance Department for the City of Spearfish. Her true vocation was providing her husband, children and family with unconditional love and support and in that aspect her work was unparalleled.

When she and Gary retired they spent much of their time traveling around the US or vacationing in Mexico with friends, crocheting, doing puzzles and enriching the lives that she touched.

Her smiling face and loving touch will be missed by her son Donald (Val) Richards, Spearfish, daughter Susan (Randy) Connelly, Sioux Falls, and daughter Christine (Chris) Williams, Spearfish, and grandchildren Natalie Richards, Cole Richards, Michelle Connelly, Jason Connelly, Marc Williams, Chelsea Williams and Olivia Williams.

Memorial Services will be held at1:00 P.M. on January 28th, 2013 at the United Church of Christ in Spearfish, with a small reception following. Private family burial will be held at Black Hills National Cemetery. A memorial has been established in her name to benefit the Chapter BW of PEO. Condolences may be sent to 111 W. Pine Street, Spearfish SD 57783.