Lemley Chapel
Serving Sedro-Woolley &
All of Skagit County Since 1935
1008 Third Street
Sedro-Woolley, WA
360-855-1288
www.LemleyChapel.com
Esther Mabel Richmyer Memorial
Esther Mabel Richmyer Memorial

Esther Mabel Richmyer

Esther Mabel Richmyer

Friday, February 26th, 2016

Esther Mabel (Good) Richmyer, of Birdsview, passed away on Friday, February 26, 2016. She was 94. Esther was born the youngest of seven children to Arthur and Mabel (Warfield) Good, in the Day Creek area of Skagit County. She was united in marriage with (Wilfred) Vernon Richmyer on June 28, 1936, and they spent a loving 52 years together until Vernon’s death in 1988. She spent the next twenty-six years in their family home, the same home where four generations of Richmyers have resided since 1935.

She and Vernon began their life together in Birdsview, then operated a dairy farm in Skiyou in the late 1930’s. They spent the 1940’s in the Ballard area of Seattle, then moved to their new home in Mountlake Terrace in 1950, where they finished raising their family. They bought Vernon’s parents’ home in 1968, where they spent their retirement years. Esther held a number of jobs: owning/operating a mom-and-pop grocery with Vernon in Mountlake Terrace, making Lanny’s Pizza in Tukwila and as a seamstress at Johnson’s Rain Gear in Ballard. But, her role of wife, mother, grandmother and homemaker was the most important to her, always putting her family first.

Richmyer, Esther 1947As in the loss of their daughter in a tragic accident, Esther exhibited the same courage and fortitude when she, at age 67, both lost her husband and was diagnosed with Diabetes. She qualified for her first driver’s license soon after that, determined to get along on her own. At age 70, she survived quadruple coronary bypass surgery; and, at age 80, confronted and survived breast cancer surgery and follow-up treatments. Over the next 14 years, with her family’s help, she was able to stay in her own home, despite ten of those years dealing with worsening symptoms of Dementia. Since June of 2014, Esther has been in the wonderful care of the staff and the friendship of fellow residents at Prestige Care and Rehabilitation in Burlington, Washington, where we

said our final goodbye. Throughout all her struggles and losses, Esther maintained her strong will, loving spirit and playful sense of humor. She will be remembered with love and pride.

Esther was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Vernon; their youngest daughter Patti Jean; their granddaughter Anne Elizabeth; four brothers, Arthur, Armin, Homer and Weldon Good; and two sisters Rose Abrahamson and Frieda Parker. She is survived by her son Gary (Judy) Richmyer; her daughters Janet Maloney, Pamela (John) Kopeinig and Debra (Robert) Clarke; 10 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
In honoring Esther’s wishes, there will be no service. In lieu of flowers, donations in her name are suggested to The American Heart Association, The American Cancer Society or the American Diabetes Foundation. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Lemley Chapel. Share memories of Esther and sign the online guest register.

Guestbook

  • Ginger Chittick

    I met Esther when we both worked at Johnsons , we formed a bond right away if I was down she always has a word of incouragement she would alway say ” You and my daughter Pam would be really good friends” she was so right after meeting her, her sister Debbie and family my world changed they always made me feel like part of the family. Esther family ment the world to her she was an Amazing women always a smile on her face never a bad word to say.( Almost Never) Although the years have taken us all in different directions we still keep in touch and I will be forever greatful because of her they are in my life. I have not seen Esther in many years but she will always be in my heart . Rest in peace Esther I Love You

  • David Kepler

    Grandma Esther- You were the best grandmother a child could ever wish for.
    When I was young, I remember spending time with you and grandpa. There was no agenda. Whatever I wanted to do, you happily went along with it.

    Grandma, you made the best toast and cocoa ever. Cottage cheese and pears always tasted the best at your house. I will always cherish those times.

    Your advice was always in the direction of being careful, kind, and not making bad choices. Your advice seemed funny or sarcastic at the time. Looking back, you were very wise and your advice was intentional.

    You had a million and one funny sayings.
    One of my favorites was “I ain’t drinking no damn Starbucks”
    Whenever I see Folgers, I will think of you.

    I wish that my children got to know you as well as I knew you.

    Grandma I miss you. I miss grandpa too.
    I know I will see you both again.

  • Tammy Montana

    You will be missed dearly by many. Thanks, for all the laughs, hugs and great memories. RIP Grandma Richmyer.

  • Pam

    What makes a wonderful mother? It is not just love and understanding. Though very important that is not all that makes the woman. Teaching right from wrong, kindness, empathy, compassion all must be taught as the ground work of how to treat others. To put yourself in the situation so you can provide the loving and correct approach to helping those through a difficult time. She had many funny sayings – that when young you perhaps missed the lesson in the message. It is after becoming an adult and passing those same sayings onto your own children and grandchildren that the wisdom she possessed becomes clear. How very wise!

    She also taught the gift of hope and faith. Times may be hard and it was okay to stay down for a short count. But, when she got to the count of 10 you better be on your feet standing tall. There is no excuse to not stand up – right the right- take the hard knocks – learn the lesson – and move forward. Staying down was not an option. Again, so very wise!

    Known for her quick wit and ability to take a joke we all learned the valuable lesson of having a sense of humor. Mom was never long on the receiving end of a joke or prank – you best look out she would eventually get the best of you. The gift of joy!

    Family was always her first and only priority. How very blessed that we had a mother who was an example on how to be a good parent.The relief knowing she was never more than a phone call away. Always close. Never faltering. The gift of love!

    I am happy that she now is with my loving father, sister, niece and those loved ones that have passed before her. The greatest gift for me from her – was that we both know there is no final good bye. Though I cannot see her or speak with her – she is not gone. I will miss her, but know that it is only for a season.

  • Randy Laswell

    Best. Grandma. Ever.
    The world is not going to be quite as dynamic without her in it…..certainly will be missing a lot of love.
    RIP….send my love to the others.
    Until we meet again….