Diana Richards, 92, a beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend left this world to joyfully enter the gates of eternity on Sunday, March 23, 2025.
A proud Colorado native, Diana was born December 2, 1932 to Georgia Pring and Edward George McCarthy, in Denver.
She grew up in Aurora and graduated from Aurora High School in 1950 where she was the head majorette.
At age 13, Diana worked as a soda jerk in the local drug store. She later worked as an operator for Bell Telephone Communications. Later in life, she went back to school to become a nurse and graduated as an LPN at age 54.
She worked at Cherry Creek Nursing Center until retirement.
When Diana was 15, she met the love of her life, Lloyd Owen Richards.
They met at a mutual friend’s birthday party at the historic Trocadero Ballroom.
Lloyd instantly fell in love with her, remarking to his friend, “Tonight I’ve met the girl that I’ll marry”. Diana and Lloyd were happily married for 58 ½ years until his death in 2010.
Diana’s deep faith in Jesus Christ defined her life in many ways.
She was active in church as a Sunday School teacher at Montclair Baptist and Calvary Temple. She loved to read the Bible and had countless verses memorized. Among her many hobbies, Diana enjoyed square dancing and spent decades doing the Dosey-Doe with her favorite dance partner, Lloyd. Also a card game enthusiast. Connecticut Rummy was her favorite, which she played nightly with Lloyd and also taught her grandchildren to play, so she would have a home-grown supply of opponents.
Diana loved to travel with Lloyd and her adventurous spirit led her on a road trip through Iceland, drive at high speeds on the German Autobahn and swim with sharks in Fiji; among many, many other adventures. Diana had a love for all animals, especially dogs. She spent years raising and showing prize poodles and Pomeranians, as well as running a dog grooming business. Her companion for many of her later years was her beloved miniature poodle, Honey, who could always be found cuddling on Diana’s lap.
Diana lived an extraordinary life, full of adventure. However, she was the first to say that her family was her greatest accomplishment. Diana is survived by four beloved daughters Paula Hallinan Ramey (Steve), Janna Richards Petrie (Duane), Lisa Gold (Howard, dec) and Marcia Petrun (Mark). Diana was also the grandmother to 12 grandchildren: Josh Gold (Mindy), Brett Petrie, Shawn Hallinan (Kristen), Brianna Valentin (Eric), Jennifer Hallinan DeLeon (Hector), Branden Petrun, Kristin Hallinan Gao (Lei), Clinton Petrun (Winter), Danial Gold (Ashley), Luke Petrun (Gracie), Trevor Petrie and Mitchell Gold. Diana was also extraordinarily proud of her 16 great grandchildren. Also survived by her stepbrother Larry Styles (Veronica) and stepsister Patti Maurer (Bill) as well as numerous nieces, nephews and a host of wonderful friends and neighbors. She was preceded in death by her spouse, parents, older sister and sons-in-law.
Diana’s Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday April 9, 2025, 1PM, South Fellowship Church, 6560 S. Broadway, Littleton, CO. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the church of your choice, Special Olympics of Colorado or Guide Dog Foundation.
“Well done, good and faithful servant… come and enter the joy of your master” Matthew 25:23