Photo courtesy of SereniCare -- Draper - Draper
Draper, Utah
Jul 16, 1956 – Feb 7, 2012
Our beautiful, amazing, inspiring mother, grandmother, wife, sister, aunt, coach and friend returned to the loving arms of her Savior on February 4, 2011. Lori was born in Long Beach, California to Bonnie Whitney and Carl Doerr. She attended Millikan High School, Long Beach City College, and later attended Brigham Young University on a volleyball scholarship. Lori married her best friend, David Richards on May 1, 1981. Together they were part of a volleyball dynasty. They created a club volleyball program and through it, both taught and inspired passion for the sport to young players across the nation. Lori coached volleyball at UVCC (UVU) for nineteen years and was later inducted into both the Utah Coaches Hall of Fame and the NJCAA Hall of Fame. She was also a well-loved and passionate professor of community health and elementary education at UVU for 30 years teaching thousands of her adoring students. Lori served her Savior with love and compassion demonstrating creativity and humor as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Primary, Young Women's, Sunday School and Relief Society.
Lori's greatest legacy is the great love she had for the gospel of Jesus Christ, her family and friends. She changed the lives of all who knew her. Her children, Lauren (Taylor Evans), Kristin, Andrew and Taylor were her greatest joy. She is survived by her husband, her children, her granddaughter Merit, her siblings, Diane Doerr Gardner (Bruce), Brent Doerr (Becky), and the thousands who have known and loved her throughout her life.
A celebration of her life will be held Friday, Feb. 10th at 1:00p.m. at the Heatheridge Stake Center located at 450 East 2000 North in Orem. Please be aware of surrounding construction and ready to take detours. A viewing will be held at this location on Thursday, Feb. 9th from 6:00-9:00p.m. and on Friday from 10:30a.m.-12:45 pm. Condolences may be sent to the family via Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lori-Doerr-Richards-Memorial/179975278775826 or by visiting www.serenicare.com.
She loved deeply and was deeply loved by all.
Dave and family, this was a nice reminder for me to share a fun memory. When we lived in the same ward in Orem and you and Lori played church volleyball with regular folk, I'll never forget pregnant Lori diving for a save and kind of bouncing. It was fall of 1982 or 83. The memory still brings a smile. All the best to you and family!
Keth Heideman
January 31, 2021 | Boise, ID | Friend
Dear David and Family, We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Our hearts our full of love for you and your family. May you feel HIS comfort in the days ahead. Don and Abby McCrary
Abby McCrary
February 21, 2012 | Hanford, CA
To Dave and family, I am so sorry hear of Lori's passing. Kristi and I went to church with you and Lori in 82-84. I loved playing vball, softball and bball together. I remember when Lori was pregnant with Lauren, yet she was still diving for balls (with perfect technique) against all our wishes. Our prayers and thoughts are with you - Godspeed, Keith Heideman
February 20, 2012
Dave and family, I was so sorry to hear of Lori's passing. They gave a wonderful tribute to her on TV during the BYU-CBU volleyball game. It seems that it was yesterday that I would see her down in the Smith Field House (always at the gym!) at BYU and was always in awe of her ability to befriend EVERYBODY. She was and still is an amazing person. She has left a great legacy behind,her wonderful family and all the people she touched through volleyball and her teaching. I hope you find...
Chris Peterson
February 19, 2012 | Holladay, UT
Lori was one of a kind. Her smile was contagious. I am so thankful I had the opportunity to play for her. To know her was to love her. . . Dave, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Lori Nielsen
February 18, 2012 | Morgan, UT
What a beautiful, funny and loving person. I was grateful to have had her as one of my coaches. My heart goes out to her family at this time.
Joi Jensen Carpenter
February 17, 2012 | Billings, MT
Dear David,
Talked to David Noble this morning and he mentioned Lori's passing and I just could not believe it. The last time my wife and I seen you at Home Depot you and Lori some doing some yard renovation and she looked just like I've always remembered her and I want you to remember my wife and I want to pass our love and aloha to you and your family. It seems like just yesterday we were in College and enjoying life. Dave you take care and God Bless you and your family. Love...
February 16, 2012
To David and family,
It broke my heart to hear of Lori's passing. Her energy for life touched me every time we met at those few but memorable extended family events. She carried a light that I hope will continue to be felt in your lives. You have my deepest sympathy at this most difficult time.
cousin Wendy Richards Gardner
February 11, 2012 | Bountiful, UT
Lori was such an inspiration to me. I was lucky enough to have her for 3 classes during my time at UVU and for her to observe me while student teaching and she gave me such great advice and helped me become a better teacher. She was the best teacher i ever had. I hope one day i can be half the teacher she was. She was always so supportive and truly cared about her students. I would see her often at XSI factory where I worked while in school and she always made it a point to come talk to...
Taylor Beaman
February 10, 2012 | Provo, UT
