Monte Louis Richards

Monte Louis Richards&bb& Monte Louis Richards was born in Ekalaka, MT on October 3, 1915. He passed away October 27, 2001 at a local hospital.&pe& After enlisting in the Army in 1934, Monte took his first guitar lessons, and music has been a large part of his life ever since.&pe&Monte married the love of his life, Maxine Roundtree, on August 17, 1947. They settled in the Snohomish-Everett area, where Monte opened his first music store on the corner of 19th and Broadway in the early 1950s. He moved his business south to the Claremont neighborhood, opening Monte's Claremont Music in the late 1950s. He successfully operated this store for over 25 years.&pe&Monte was an accomplished musician. He loved to play the guitar and sing, whether it be alone in his music room, playing a "gig" or jamming with friends.&pe&Monte was an active, devoted member of the Snohomish F.O.E. #195 for over 50 years, holding the post of President twice.&pe& After retirement, Monte and Maxine began to travel. They have spent the last 10 years wintering in Yuma, where they developed many special friendships with the wonderful people at Country Roads. While summering in Everett, Monte looked forward to morning coffee with friends at Mikie's.&pe&He is survived by his loving wife, Maxine; his only daughter, Kathie; his three sisters, Donna, Bobbie and Katie; his two brothers, Benny and Ted; his two grandsons, Scott and wife Amy and Chad; his great-grandson, Benjamin; and his special niece, Janet Lee.&pe&At his request there will be no formal service. However, an informal gathering of family and friends will be held December 1, 2001 at the family home. Drop in any time between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.&pe&In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Lung Association or the Multiple Sclerosis Association.