Natalie Richardson

Natalie Lynette Richardson was born to David Linn Richardson and Terry Lee (Harris) Richardson on 24 December, 1981 in Ogden, Utah. Natalie attended the Utah School For the Deaf and Blind from the age of 3 until she graduated at age 18 and attended a community-based STEP transition program until she was 22. She lived a life filled with love, joy, compassion, and adventure. We were truly blessed to share Natalie's earthly Journey for the last 43 years. Her beautiful spirit taught us so much!
Unfortunately, her heart and lungs gave out after a 44-day struggle on February 7th, 2025. Natalie's light will live on in our hearts, and she'll be our guardian angel until we meet again.
Natalie, our loving daughter, sister, Aunt, and friend, was a beacon of kindness and generosity. Her thoughtful nature was reflected in her weekly tradition of giving treats to everyone after church. She loved the babies and little children's hugs! Natalie was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and cherished her involvement in the Special Needs Adaptive Program (SNAP) where she met many friends and found great joy through activities like going to the Temple and doing baptisms for the dead and performing in a play every April.
Natalie's adventurous spirit led her to participate in several Special Olympics sports and other activities with her devoted boyfriend of 18 years, Wendell (Rick) Wilkey. Natalie loved bocce, golf, bowling, dance, swimming, horses, bicycling, cross-country skiing, and going to amusement parks.
Natalie enjoyed working and cleaning the dining area at the Layton Hill Field Road McDonald's location, where she spread her contagious joy and warmth.
The Book of Mormon reminds us, "Men are, that they might have joy" (2 Nephi 2:25). Natalie lived this verse, finding joy in every moment and sharing it with those around her.
She is survived by her Mother and Step-Dad, Ellis and Terry Nelson; her Father and Step-Mom, David and Wendy Richardson; her 9 brothers, Kriss (Amy) Sullivan, Keith (Dawn) Sullivan, Duke (Davia) Nelson, Enden (Jayne) Nelson, Hank (Emily) Nelson, Jake (April) Nelson, Max Nelson, Obed Nelson, Clarke Ray; and her 11 sisters, Mandolyn (Tom) Wilson, Bernadette (Brian) West, Caleana (David) Keyes, Francine (Ben) Miller, Greta (Steve) Forchelli, Ingrid (Will) Farmer, Katrina (Boyd) Nelson, Nada (Jarron) Lembke, Amber (David) Watts, Laura (Pablo) Arias, and Bethany (William) Barrera.
Natalie's viewings will be held on Friday, February 14, 2025, 6:00 to 8:00 pm MST and Saturday, February 15, 2025, 10-11:30 a.m. with Funeral Services to follow at 12:00 pm MST. The viewings and Funeral will all be at the Valley View Stake Building, located at 1589 E. Gentile Road, Layton, Utah. Her Internment will be at the Elysian Gardens Burial Grounds, 1075 E 4580 S Millcreek, Utah 84117.
We invite all who knew and loved Natalie to share your memories and photos on her memorial page. May these shared moments serve as a testament to the loving and adventurous life Natalie lived, and the compassionate and thoughtful woman she was.