Margelene Kay Richards

Margelene Kay Richards

Washington

Margelene Kay Richards peacefully passed away, surrounded by her children, on December 12, 2025. A private service will be held at a later date.

Marge was born to Raymond and Hazel Fritz on August 27, 1939, in Washington, Iowa. She graduated from Washington High School in 1957. In 1960, she graduated from St. Ambrose University and began her nursing career. Throughout her fifty years of nursing, Marge worked in several areas, including general practice, surgery, geriatrics, emergency care, and more. Marge touched many lives as a caring and dedicated nurse. She was respected and revered by her colleagues. Marge loved her career so much, she was often quoted as saying, “nursing doesn’t seem like work to me.” It was her calling.

Marge married Jack Richards on October 19, 1984. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack; father, Raymond Fritz; mother, Hazel Fritz; brothers, Tom Fritz, Mike Fritz, Bob Fritz; sister, Linda (Fritz) Leyden; and sister-in-law, Julie Fritz. Marge leaves the following who will cherish her memory: children, Lisa Embree Pontier (Tim), Susan Embree German (Scott), Mark Embree (Julie), Gina Embree Beck (Chad), brother, Ted Fritz; sisters-in-law, Annette Fritz and Pam Fritz; and brother-in-law, Roger Leyden. Marge had 11 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. Her biggest joys in life were homemaking and watching her grandchildren grow up.

There will be a private family gathering to honor Marge’s life. Condolences only may be sent to family members or Cox-Smith Funeral Home.

Cox-Smith Funeral and Cremation Service are assisting Marge’s family with arrangements.