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Lori Richards Obituary
July 16, 1956 ~ Feb. 4, 2011
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.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Lori Richards
Keth Heideman
January 31, 2021
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!
Abby McCrary
February 21, 2012
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
February 20, 2012
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
Chris Peterson
February 19, 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 comfort at this time in the knowledge you WILL see her again.
Lori Nielsen
February 18, 2012
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.
Joi Jensen Carpenter
February 17, 2012
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.
February 16, 2012
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 you David!!!! Bo Karratti
cousin Wendy Richards Gardner
February 11, 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.
Taylor Beaman
February 10, 2012
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 me. I am so sorry for your loss but thank you for allowing her to share her talents and love with me. My heart goes out to your family.
Beverly Kent
February 10, 2012
Lori was my neighbor growing up. Though I didn't know her well, I always thought she was beautiful. When I started back at UVSC, now UVU, I tried to get Lori as my teacher. Sadly, I never got that opportunity. Attending her funeral today, it made me reflect on how much influence each person has for good in the lives of so many. The Stake Center was almost completely filled, and I kept thinking about how many other friends and family would have liked to have been there if they could. I am so sorry to Lori's family for their loss, but I am grateful that they have the Gospel and know they will reunite with her again! I know that Lori will be watching over you all. God bless your family in these difficult times.
Tracy Stalls
February 10, 2012
I never knew Lori very well, but her daughter Kristin, who carries the same radiant smile... I am quite thankful to know. I pray for God Himself to bring peace and truth to all of the Richards family and their friends. In hope and love,
Elena Watilo (Queneau)
February 10, 2012
So sorry for your loss. May God bless you during this difficult time. I have many fond memories of Lori as my neighbor in Long Beach, California.
Jenne Hamlin
February 9, 2012
Lori was absolutely amazing and will be sorely missed. I was inspired to be a better teacher every time I had the privilege to see her present! My heart hurts at the loss.
Dianne McAdams-Jones
February 8, 2012
Love to the family. A great loss to all of us
Dianne McAdams-Jones UVU faculty
Laurel Brassey Iversen
February 8, 2012
Dave and family,
I talked to Matty first thing yesterday to catch up. I am so sad but couldn't help thinking all day yesterday that there is a bright new angel in God's heaven. Lori was such a role model for all of us with her big smile and love for life. I'm sorry we haven't been in touch these years. It seems like just yesterday when we were all together. Sending love and Aloha your way.
Laurel Brassey Iversen
Melissa Page
February 7, 2012
Lori was such an inspiration to all of her students that she taught at the college. She was so full of life and love. I hope that when I am a teacher that I can share the love with my students that she portrayed to us. She was an amazing professor. Sorry about your loss.
brian funk
February 7, 2012
Lori-David....Is there a more beautiful couple? Coaching with Lori, whether at camp or at Utah Valley in '80, was simply... a blast!! If there is a picture that exists of her without a smile, I have not seen it. In fact that is what her image will always be to me....a smile! Lori, I love you and will pray each night to say hey! David, you are strong and as beautiful as your precious friend. My love and friendship always to you and your children. I will see you soon....
B. Funk
John Kessel
February 7, 2012
Lor, words can't express the power of your smile, the love you gave your family, and the teacher and athlete we all were so lucky to know. Keep watching down on Dave and the kids, and save a spot on your team for when we get to see you again...love from Cody, McKenzie and John
February 7, 2012
Richard and family,
I do not have words to express to your family my sadness at the loss of your Mom. The world is truly a lesser place with out her. But heaven is surly improved by her presence. May your faith sustain you in your time of grief.
Joan Burdett
Brock H
February 7, 2012
I wish I could write something that would shed light on even a fraction of how amazing Lori was. I learned so much from her and will always think about her when I think about teaching my own students and raising my children. She has impacted so many lives and I know how much we all wish to have more time to spend with her. When you hear people talk about the "good ones" she is definitely one of those. Thanks Lori!
February 7, 2012
David and family my wife and I are serving a mission in Kirtland, Ohio and we will not be in Utah for the service honoring Lori. I saw the announcement of her passing this morning and my heart was deeply saddened. I cared deeply for and about you and Lori David. I did not know the children, but with parents like you they must be wonderful. We love you David and we pray for you to have the strength to weather this most difficult storm.
aLove Marvin and Ethelynn Higbee
February 7, 2012
I would like to tell Taylor how sorry I am for his loss. Taylor, you stayed with me in St. George last October when you played in an outdoor volleyball tournament with my nephew, Cory Metcalf. I did not know that Lori was your mother at that time...I don't remember exactly how I came to know that you were her son. But I just wanted to tell you that your mom and I knew each other a little bit at BYU. I admired her beauty and her outgoing personality...her love for life. SHE WAS BEAUTIFUL!!! I am so sorry, Taylor. Your goodness and great talent are a tribute to such an incredible mom!!!! Much love to you at this time. Stephanie Murdoch, St. George, UT
Merilee Larsen
February 6, 2012
I had the opportunity to be taught at UVU by Lori. From there she let me move into her office where I got to be mentored daily by her. True, we probably spent more time laughing than working, but I wouldn't trade a minute of it. For the last 3 years I have been able to sit 2 feet away from this amazing woman and sponge up all of the information she would wisely dole out. I have watched her love her students, faculty & friends like they were her family. I have learned what teaching is all about. What a great example she was of living. I loved her. I truly loved her and I will miss her every day. Thanks for sharing your wife and mother with me. I feel so honored to have known her.
Barbara Jackson
February 6, 2012
Lori taught us all that love is the most important thing. Love for our Savior, love for our family, and love for or friends. Lori, we ALL love you!!!
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