She was born on January 12, 1921 to Florence (Buck) Skarloken and Roy Justin Skarloken.  Sitting at a desk in her father's bank in Iroquois, S. Dakota, at age 7 she knew her career would be in business.

After graduating from Fruitland High School in 1939, in the middle of the depression, she attended Nampa Business College, working for her room and board and walking to school.  After graduating she worked in the Nampa Creamery office and then transferred to their branch office in Ontario, Oregon

In 1941 she married G. Vernon Richards – three daughters were born to this union.  Their oldest daughter died of lymphoma at age 49.  The second daughter was Eileen Yerby of Meridian, Id. The third daughter was Paula Brill of Glendale, AZ.

When Vernon bought Hannifin's Cigar Store Mildred became bookkeeper and janitor and held a full time jab at Tudar Engineering Company, enabling Vernon to have a good cash flow for his business while she provided for the family.  She was devastated when Vernon developed Lymphoma.  They spent 3 years knowing that he was dying.  He passed away June of 1998 under Hospice at home. 

Mildred was very involved with her church friends at Whitney Methodist Church and was president of UMW and Treasurer at one time.  She belonged to Mary-Martha Circle for 40 years.  After her husband died Mildred joined the RSVP group and enjoyed the work and friendship. 

Condolences