Sofia Anne "Sofie" Richards

Sofia Anne (Graziano) Richards has competed well, finished the race, and kept the faith. She left this earthly journey on March 2, 2026, at Meadowview of Clive after a long struggle with Alzheimer's.

A visitation will be held on Monday, March 9, 2026, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church (7045 Ashworth Road, West Des Moines, Iowa) from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm with a rosary to follow. The funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at St. Francis with Fr. Stephen Orr and Fr. Ed Hurley presiding as co-celebrants. The service will be livestreamed at Ilescares.com. A luncheon will follow the funeral Mass at St. Francis Parish Hall. Sofie will be interred in Glendale cemetery following the luncheon.

Sofie was born in Des Moines, Iowa, on April 21, 1949, to Michael S. and Anna S. (Grochala) Graziano who have preceded her in death. Sofie attended St. Anthony Catholic School, St. Joseph Academy, Clarke College, and the University of Iowa receiving a Bachelor of Art Degree in Mathematics. She used her computer analysis skills at the City of Des Moines, Clary Consulting and Casey's General Stores Corporate Offices. She retired from Casey's in 2001.

Sofie served on the Board of Directors for Graziano Brothers Inc. for multiple years, volunteered as a companion for Wesley Life and was a receptionist at InnerVision Woman's Clinic. As an avid reader, Sofie joined with some friends to start Gentle Reader's Book Club.

As a founding member of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Sofie was active in leading many Bible study groups, served three years on the Parish Advisory Council with being President on her third year, participated in the Christ Renews His Parish No. 3 retreat and was the Spiritual Director for CRHP No. 9. She was active in Women in God Service (WINGS), Monday Rosary, and Serra Club of Des Moines. Sofie was also highly active in the Music Ministry program by singing in multiple choirs, cantering Masses, and serving as a member of the Advisory Council to the Parish Music Director.

Sofie is survived by her husband of 53 years, Larry J. Richards; Children, Stephanie A. (Eric) Richards Harris of Broomfield, Colorado and Joseph M.(Erica Cherrix) Richards of San Francisco, California; grandchildren, Zosha M. Harris of Fort Collins, Colorado and Rylan W. Harris of Broomfield, Colorado; siblings: Mary (Eric Thompson) Graziano of Galesville, Wisconsin, Michael Graziano of San Francisco, California, Krystina (Otis Schmidt) Graziano of Comptche, California, and Frances Graziano of Des Moines, Iowa; as well as brothers in-law, sisters in-law, nieces, nephews, and many Graziano and Grochala cousins.

A special thank you for the wonderful care provided by the staff at Meadowview of Clive, as well as Meghan, Ann, and support staff from MercyOne Hospice. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to Alzheimer's Association of Des Moines or St. Francis Catholic Church.

Arrangements are being handled by Iles Jordan Creek Chapel.

Online condolences can be made at Ilescares.com.