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In Memoriam: Kerry Marie Richards (Aug. 20, 1956 – Aug. 13, 2022)

Kerry Marie Richards 65, passed away unexpectedly on Aug. 13, 2022. She was born Aug. 20, 1956 in Tigard, Oregon. She was the daughter of William E. and Martha Jane Swift.

Kerry graduated Tigard High School, class of 1974. She went on to Oregon State University and graduated in 1978 with a bachelor’s degree in Broadcasting/ Videography and minored in Geology. Kerry moved to Bend in 1978 to become a KTVZ news reporter, where she met the love of her life, Mark and they married in 1980. They soon moved to the valley, and she worked at the Oregon State Capital in the legislative media department. Later, Kerry went on to work at Salem Hospital for 26 years. During that time, she had many roles, first the cardiac department then Manager in the media department. Lastly, she was the CME training coordinator for all the doctors.

Kerry is survived by her husband of 42 years, Mark; daughter, Erin, and her husband, Aaron Zink, and their daughter Ariyah; son, Jared, and his wife, Ashley Richards, and their four kids, Marlin, Klay, Soraya and Raven.

Kerry loved the outdoors and started climbing mountains in college. She climbed Mt. Hood and the South Sister’s mountains. She loved camping. Mark and Kerry backpacked most of the eight lakes in the Cascades, clam digging, kayaking, boating, fishing (she was a better fisherman then Mark) and crabbing, but most of all she loved spending time with family. Kerry’s grandkids meant the world to her, and she loved being with them.

Kerry lived 39 years in the Silverton Hills and contributed and volunteered her time at Silver Crest School. She was also on the board of the Drakes Crossing Fire Department.

Her family had seven acres and she loved and kept a beautiful garden. The farm had horses, goats, cows, dogs and cats.

The family spent ten years on the mountain. While Mark was on the Mt. Hood ski patrol, she cared for the kids and taught them to ski and have fun with their friends.

She had amazing love, support, strength and patience for her husband and family.

“My Angel, my love, my inspiration in life. I need you; I look to heaven and know you are there.”

Thank you, family and friends, for your prayers, thought and cards. Bless you.

Arrangements made by Unger Funeral Chapel – Silverton.