Ralphene Richardson

Ralphene Richardson was born at the family farm near Juliaetta, Idaho, on August 7th, 1943, to Ralph and Fern (Hall) Richardson. Her siblings included three sisters, Maxine, Connie, Carol and her younger brother, Dick. The five children were all born at their farm home on Fix Ridge, near Juliaetta Idaho.

Ralphene’s red hair and dimples, petite size, lively spirit and tenacious personality, were her signatures, from an early age. Her ability to speak for herself with confidence, carried forward from home naturally, into primary school in Genesee, Idaho. Her sisters and brother can attest to it, with many funny stories and fond memories.

The family moved to Eugene, Oregon in September of 1953, where they lived a short time until 1959, while sister, Connie, attended college there. They then moved to Salem, Oregon, establishing long term roots in the area, though Idaho remained home in all of their hearts.

Ralphene graduated from North Salem high school and worked for several years, before beginning her local college program to become a Registered Nurse. She was dedicated in her studies and enthusiastic about her career. 

Her final terms of schooling and her first ten years of nursing were spent in Portland within the Providence Health system. She then became inspired to live in a bigger city and chose Seattle, Washington. She was very excited about it, as she began working within the Swedish Hospital system, primarily in post- surgical orthopedics. She wrapped up her career working part- time on site at Boeing, offering the immunization clinics for staff. She loved that role.

Her favorite hobbies included shopping for very specific items, whether shabby chic antiques, linens & lace, or clothing that had just the right coordinating colors and just the right amount of sparkle. Her home was always decorated in shades of pink and everything was perfectly placed. Her attention to detail was evident in her work and in all other aspects of her life.

In her later years, she enjoyed coming to Salem to get Connie for antique adventuring to local hot spots. She always treasured family get togethers and brought her sense of style, charm, enthusiasm and love to every single one of them. She loved meeting her brother, nephews, and sisters at their annual hunting camp in Idaho, complete with her own pink camouflage.

So many endearing stories about her zest for life, intelligent, articulate, fun loving, and well spoken ways, span the many decades of her life. Her friendships were significant, deep, and long lasting. If you met her, she got to know you quickly and you became part of her valued circle.

In the most recent five years of her life, Ralphene was herself discovered, by a very special furry friend. A large, lovable, white and black Rag Doll Cat, named Panda. He was her sheer delight! He was her comfort, her companion, and her confidant, during those difficult periods of chemotherapy. He was close by her as part of the expanded family who surrounded her with love, during her final days with us. 

Ralphene went home quietly, to be with the Lord and to be reunited with many of her loved ones, just after 2am on March 22nd, 2023. She had bravely fought through 13 years of a Multiple Myeloma diagnosis, which was identified early in her case and treated.

She later began numerous chemotherapy treatments, that spanned the most recent seven years. She achieved several successful remissions. She had gone through a process of researching and understanding potential therapies each time and set her focus on the work that must be done each time, with the guidance of her excellent oncology physicians.

Ralphene was known for her class and dignity during those difficult periods of time in her later life, at both Elmcroft and Willowcreek, assisted living communities. Her determination and positivity were something she said she’d learned through her mother’s example, when she was recently asked about her courage, through cancer.

Ralphene is survived by her older sister Connie, younger brother Dick and his wife Susan, niece Joy and her husband Gregg, niece Tina and her husband Scott. She was a great-aunt to seven and a great-great-aunt to the first baby, recently in January. She loved her family deeply and was deeply loved by each one of them. Her legacy will live on as we hold our memories of her and what she taught us, close at heart.  She loved pink hearts and pink roses. Please remember Ralphene’s welcoming smile and her warm and loving ways, when you see them.

Please join us as we celebrate Ralphene’s life,  together at Court Street Church in Salem, on April 15th at 1pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made online at www.fredhutch.org/memorial , designated to Ralphene’s memory.

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center is located in Seattle, WA, where Ralphene loved living. Beyond research and discovery, they are world leaders in bone marrow transplant. Ralphene was a potential candidate for transplant, early in her multiple myeloma diagnosis, while living in Seattle. The significant work of this non-profit organization, brings hope and healing for many who are going through their cancer journey.

We believe that Ralphene is beautifully and completely restored and in the presence of her loving, Heavenly Father.

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.   Psalm 73:26