Mildred “Milly” Marie Richards, 94, of North Platte, Nebraska passed away November 20, 2022 at Linden Court in North Platte.
Mildred “Milly” Marie Arnold was born March 15th 1928 in North Platte Nebraska to Roy and Alice Arnold. She was baptized into the Catholic faith by Father Patrick McDaid on May 6th, 1928. Like many others in the 1930s, Milly grew up in extreme poverty. Her childhood house was a couple of boxcars that her parents were able to make into a home. Milly learned to lean on two things she loved the most, her faith and her family. Milly met the love of her life while working as a car hop at the Shady-Inn. Joseph Scott “Scotty “and Milly were united in marriage February 16th, 1947. Milly spent much of her young adult years as a caretaker for her mother while raising her five boys. Other than caring for her family, Milly had several jobs throughout her life. She worked as a hairdresser both at the Pawnee Hotel and Adams and Swansons Funeral Home. She assisted Scotty with the business affairs of his real estate and insurance company and finally ended her career working for Hoover’s Jewelers in North Platte.
As a devout Catholic, faith was extremely important to Milly. She worked and coordinated many Cursillos helping to start the movement in the Grand Island diocese which is still going strong today. She served as a eucharistic minister for many years at St Patrick’s Catholic Church and enjoyed sharing the eucharist with the homebound, a ministry that was returned to her for years up until her dying days. Milly was a true prayer warrior. She was known to pray for everyone she could from all walks of life. She was open and compassionate no matter their history.
The way Milly told a story will be one of the things we remember most about her. While she shared different events from her life, she would use her witty sense of humor to fill the room with laughter. Milly was often surrounded by children. There was no one she loved more than her grandkids. She could hardly contain her excitement which was expressed with a joyful “praise Jesus!” whenever her grandkids entered the room. She would often be found soothing a baby or rocking a toddler. There are many memories of grandkids gathering at her house for large family dinners and sleepless nights on the living room floor.
Milly is survived by her sons Joseph “Scotty” of North Platte, Michael of Omaha, Patrick (Kari) of North Platte, Steven of Lewellen. Grandchildren Brenda Brummels, Kristopher (Connie) Richards, Michelle (Shaun) Pagel, Sara (Christopher) Ningen, Michael (Lindsey) Richards, Randal Richards, Robert Richards, Zachary Richards, Cody (Jessica) Richards, Christopher (Sunny) Bryant, Charity Richards, Cheri (Cody) Anderson, Alisha (Jeff) Hauser, 24 great-grand kids, and special family friend Todd Chappell. She was proceeded in death by her parents and husband, brothers Frank and Ray Arnold and Son Anthony “Tony” Richards.
In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the North Platte Catholic Schools Endowment Fund. On-line condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com .
Mass of the Christian Burial will be at 10:00 A.M., Tuesday, November 29, 2022 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, with Fr. Vidya Sagar as celebrant. Burial will follow the service at 1:00 P.M. at Fort McPherson National Cemetery, Maxwell, Nebraska. Visitation will be from noon - 3, Monday, November 28 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home. Rosary will be at 7:00 P.M. Monday at the Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Adams & Swanson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.