She was born on April 14, 1950 in Pine Ridge, S.D. to Lavern C. and Lavonne E. Pourier Richards.
Connie was the first born of 12 children, and took her role of big sister very seriously, caring for her sisters and brothers throughout her life. She was raised in South Dakota and Nebraska until her family moved to Hermiston, Oregon for her senior year of high school, graduating in the class of 1968. In 1971 she set out for Caldwell, Idaho to establish her independence and to spread her wings.
Connie discovered she was pregnant in 1972 and on December 26, 1972 she gave birth to her daughter, Danielle Marie. Connie said that her daughter was so perfect that she would never have any more children, and she didn’t. She always said that she gave birth to her best friend. In 1980 she moved to La Grande, Oregon and enrolled in college at Eastern Oregon University. After hard work and great dedication she graduated with a BA in Political Science. She was immediately hired as a Parole and Probation Officer with the State of Oregon in Pendleton.
Connie helped to establish a satellite for native offenders on the Umatilla Indian Reservation. This was a cause that she was passionate about, as she was an enrolled member of the Oglala Lakota Sioux Tribe. Connie strived to help Natives with their addictions and encouraged them to not re-offend. Due to her degree in political science, Connie accepted a position as a gaming inspector with the Umatilla Tribe at Wildhorse Casino in 1995. She enjoyed all the friendships she created while at Wildhorse, retiring in 2011. At the urging of her daughter and son-in-law, she moved in with them in 2012. Connie greatly enjoyed time with her family, particularly her Mom, Honey Girl. She loved watching the Pioneer Woman and playing her online puzzle games.
She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law: Danielle and George Collins; loving Mom: Lavonne; sisters: Karen, Jackie, Diane, & Donna; brothers: Kelly, Russell, Art, Anthony, Mark, & Rick; and numerous nieces and nephews whom she cherished.
Connie was preceded in death by her Dad, Lavern Richards and brother, Theodore Richards, who our faith tells us welcomed her into their loving arms.
Recitation of the rosary was held on Monday, Dec. 12, 2016 Burns Mortuary Chapel in Hermiston.
Funeral Mass will be held on at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2016 at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Mission.
Those who wish may make contributions in Connie’s memory to St. Anthony Hospital Cancer Center.
Please sign the online condolence book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
