Jo Ann Margret Richardson, 89 passed away early in the morning on the 29th of November 2024. She was born May 30, 1935, to Gearge and Jo Hannah Ils in the small town of Ritzville, WA. Jo Ann, the oldest of three children, grew up on the family farm, as a daughter of a wheat farmer she learned very early how to work hard and how best to contribute to her family's success. She grew up in a family full of love. Jo Ann's early education was formed at Ritzville, after high school graduation she went on to Eastern Washington University. Jo Ann graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education.

In 1955 she met the man that would change her life forever, Karl Richardson. They were married on August 24,1957. Karl was truly the love of her life; he made sure that her every need was met. Karl left this world July 31, 2022, he went on to wait for her at the doors of heaven, making sure to let her know that she could take her time, and he would be there when she was ready. Jo Ann and Karl had a love and a marriage that was magical, this love they shared gives their four children Brian, Lou Ann, Susan, and Kenny, a sweet peace knowing that they are once again together.

As a teacher Jo Ann had the summers off with her children. She did not know how to swim; she was afraid of the water. She wanted to make sure her children knew how to swim so every summer we attended swimming lessons, at least 2 sessions each summer. We had a pool that she very rarely went in. We had a no splash rule when she got in the pool, no water in the face for her. Her grandchildren also knew that rule, and they practiced it better than her own children. She would spend the summer by the window watching her children swim while she sewed. Jo Ann LOVED to sew. Jo Ann was also the 4H-Leader of the Livestock club in Burbank, Washington for 20+ years. She showed cattle as a young girl and wanted to pass that enjoyment on to her children as well as other children.

Jo Ann and Karl first lived in Spokane, where she began her teaching career. In 1961 they moved to Pasco, Washington. They had started their family, so she stayed at home with the children. In 1966, they built their family home in Burbank, where they lived for the next 47 years. In 1967 she began teaching again, in the Pasco school district. When a position came open at the elementary school in Burbank, she accepted the job and ended up finishing her teaching career at Burbank in 1992.

Jo Ann spent her retirement years with Karl attending grandchildren's sporting events. They spent time visiting their children and grandchildren. Together they went on many trips to Branson, Mo to attend concerts. They enjoyed music and went to many musical concerts and watched many performances. When Jo Ann retired, she also embraced the arts, taking lessons and learning how to draw, and paint.

Jo Ann was preceded in death by her loving husband Karl Richardson, her parents, George and Jo Hanna Ils, her sister Jackie McKay, her great granddaughter Taylor Thompson. Jo Ann is survived by her children Brian Richardson, Lou Ann Groover (Todd), Susan Gordon (Byron), Kenny Richardson (Debbie), her Grandchildren Matthew Richardson, Eric Gordon (Rachelle), Heather Jacoby (Michael), Dayna Jarvis (Scott), Samantha Hutchison (Rylee), Kyle Richardson, Carli Sligar (Alex), Paige Targon (Eric), Shelby DiPuppo (Rob), Gavin Richardson (Hannah), her Great Grandchildren Lane, Conner, Colton, Gunner, Grayson and Willow Gordon, Justin, Emalie, Jayson and Ellie Jacoby, Alyxandrea, Alannah and Austin Jarvis, Mason, Tucker, Waylon, Kayce and Rowyn Hutchison, Evelyn and Hazel Sligar, Marshall and Maggie Targon, Camdin and Millie Richardson.

Funeral Service's will be held on Tuesday December 10th, 2024, at 11:00am at Mueller's Greenlee Funeral Home in Pasco, Washington. Followed by a Graveside service that will be held at the Wallula Cemetery, we ask that family only attend, Thank you!