Kathy (Peterson) Richards

February 17, 2023

Kathy (Peterson) Richards

Service Details

Kathy (Peterson) Richards died Saturday, Feb. 18 from, quite honestly, being worn out. She was 95, after all, and a person that old can only withstand so much. She lived a wonderful life, which included 20-plus years working at The Des Moines Register. Immediate family members about whom she asked daily include: son Randy, granddaughters Melissa “Missy” (Curt) Brooks, Katie (Trevor) Powell, and great-granddaughter Kari. She was preceded in death by her husband Bob “Pete” Peterson, and her second husband Bill Richards, and her daughter-in-law Patty Peterson.
Kathy worked in what used to be called the classified advertising department at the Des Moines Register in the late 1950s, 60s, and a smidge into the 70s. To her dying day, she loved the newspaper. While she didn’t own a computer or a cell phone, she enjoyed listening to her favorite programs and sporting events on the radio. Her eyesight wasn’t good enough to read the paper, yet she still subscribed, out of habit – and as a financial way to help further her only kid’s Register career.
Kathy lived many years on the Luther Park campus on Des Moines’ east side.
Kathy didn’t want anyone fussing over her death. She was always aware of everyone’s busy schedule.
She knew all about deadlines, from her days at the Register. She knew people had better things to do than mourn her passing.
So, to honor her wishes, there will be no funeral. A visitation will be held at Hamilton’s Funeral Home on Lyon Street Wednesday, Feb. 22 from 4:00 – 6:00 pm. Hoist a glass of that Carlo Rossi Paisano wine she liked, if you want, while reading today’s Register. That’s what my mom would want.
Shout out to Luther Park staff and St. Croix Hospice for taking good care of her.

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