Rev. Dr. Stacy S. Richards
October 20, 1931 - October 9, 2021
Rev. Dr. Stacy S. Richards passed peacefully while surrounded by family on October 9, 2021. He was born on October 20, 1931 in Minneapolis, MN to Waldo and Lucile Richards. His father was a Congregational Minister which required frequent relocations in Stacy's early years. They moved to Phoenix, AZ where Stacy attended high school. After graduation, he attended Whittier College in California and went on to Andover Newton Theological Seminary in Massachusetts. Dr. Richards lived a long and productive life, serving as pastor for the United Church of Christ, and as a professor and counselor. He touched many people throughout a life that was "steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord." - 1 Corinthians 15:58
After graduation from Seminary, he went on to serve as a United Church of Christ pastor in multiple locations in Massachusetts, Colorado, Montana and Idaho. While holding a position with the State of Idaho, he earned a Master's Degree and subsequently, a Doctorate in counseling, and taught for 15 years at Northern State University in Aberdeen, South Dakota.
Upon his retirement, he moved to Yuma, Arizona, where he soon saw the need for a progressive church. He established the Yuma United Church of Christ and served as its founding pastor from 2004-2012, then as Pastor Emeritus until his death. Rev. Richards was active throughout his life promoting and supporting causes of equal rights, justice and peace. He was an avid reader, fan of Jeopardy and basketball and he enjoyed traveling and spending time with his family.
He was preceded in death by his brother E. Neill Richards and sister-in-law Jessie Richards.
Stacy is survived by his wife of 13 years, Marilynn Balm, his four daughters: Susan Schuck, Karin (Charles) Park, Andrea Richards and Paula (Sean) Poremba and their respective families including grandchildren Wendy (Christopher) Nogami, Eric Schuck, Avery Park, Kristin Park, Michael BrydoneJack, Nathan Poremba, Annaliese Poremba, stepdaughter Melinda (William) Carter and family, Jordan Carter, Mia Carter and Brayden Carter, stepsons Rick Kalousek and Larry (Gina) Kalousek, cousin Richard (Gale) Reeve, nephews Ross (Sanaz) Richards, Tendai Richards and Mark (Lenore) Richards and their respective families, and great-grandchildren, Jacob and Patrick Nogami.
Memorial services will be held at the Northglenn United Church of Christ in Colorado. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Yuma United Church of Christ or a charity of your choice in loving memory of Stacy S. Richards.