Mrs. Muriel H. (nee Rennhack) Richard, born on November 6, 1920 in Lowell, Wisconsin, to the late Jeanette Miller, passed away at age 97 on July 4, 2018 in Great Falls, Montana.

Muriel grew up in the care of her Grandmother in Lowell, then, with the help of her mother and 7 aunts, followed her dream of becoming an RN at Cook County School of Nursing. She then earned her BA at the University of Chicago. Muriel married her beloved husband, the late Larry Richard, in 1948, and they raised 4 children in suburban LaGrange, Illinois. Although she herself was bound by a reclusive lifestyle, Muriel deeply loved her family and encouraged her children to trust God, go out in the world to achieve, and do what she could not. Muriel and Larry believed in prayer, lived simply, and were an amazing example of a steadfast marriage based on faith and love. Muriel was proud of the education she worked so hard for and had an especially compassionate heart for the poor and sick. She worked for the Visiting Nurse Association in Chicago, which took her daily to the disadvantaged parts of the city to reach her patients. She loved Chicago. Larry was a machinist until their retirement to a mountaintop home in Arkansas. There they enjoyed the rural beauty, wildlife and some long overdue traveling. Health issues for Larry brought them back to the Chicago area, with Larry passing there in 2007. Muriel soon moved to The Lodge in Great Falls, Montana to be near her daughter, Annie. We are forever grateful to the entire Lodge staff for nearly 10 years of reliable, compassionate care. The family also thanks special friends Terri and Kate, and especially Deb, whose tireless lovingkindness made all the difference.

Muriel was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence Richard; son, Chester; and daughter-in-law, Julie Richard. She is survived by her daughter Cleo Richard, son Tracy (Michele) Richard, daughter Annie (Steve) Taylor; grandsons Michael (Jennifer) Richard, Ben (Jessica) Taylor, Dan Taylor; and great-grandchildren Hailey, Jonathan, Stella, Penelope, Reese, and Calvin. She also leaves behind her favorite buddy, Ranger.

A Funeral Service will be held 10am Wednesday, August 8th at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55th St., Countryside, IL 60525. Interment to follow at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery, Hodgkins, IL. The family invites donations in Muriel’s name to Great Falls Rescue Mission. For Info: (708) 352-6500