Anita Richards, 70

On Oct. 5, 2008, at St. Patrick's Hospital, Anita Richards 'crossed over to the comfort of her Savior,' surrounded by her loving family.

Anita was born Jan. 15, 1938, in St. Ignatius, to Robert Z. and Loula Leighton. She grew up in Ronan, with an eventual move to Seeley Lake in 1964, where she resided until the time of her death.

Anita was vibrant and passionate about many local, state and national causes throughout the years and was blessed with opportunities to serve through many venues, including a multitude of community boards, tutoring students at the elementary school, and up to the time of her death, volunteering her time striving to uphold and improve recognition for victim's rights. Anita was instrumental within the Crime Victims Advisory Council, and helped found the new DOC Victim-Offender Dialogue Program. She was proud to have won a national award for her efforts.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sons, Randy and Jim; sisters, Marie Shennum and Luella Pendleton; and a brother, Cliff 'Tip' Leighton.

Anita is survived by her devoted husband of 46 years, Ron; daughters, Debbie Foley of Eureka, and Pam Cyr, and husband Mark, of Kalispell; sons, Mike Richards and wife Lynn of Seeley Lake, Greg Foley and wife Cindy of Kalispell, and Jeff Richards of Great Falls; 16 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; brothers, Alvia Leighton and wife Florence of Kalispell, and Gerald Leighton and his wife Jean of Ronan; and numerous special cousins, nieces and nephews.

Anita's accomplishments during her lifetime were numerous and she had a positive and lasting influence in the lives of many. Her drive and passion were an inspiration to all who knew and loved her. She will be greatly missed.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, at the Seeley Lake Community Hall. Graveside services will then be held later that day, at 3 p.m., at the Ronan Cemetery.