Patricia “Sally” Richards, a long-time resident of the Oakdale area, passed away Friday, February 10, 2017 at the age of 84. She was at home, accompanied by her husband and soulmate, Marvin Richards and her immediate family. The funeral service was held on Saturday, February 18 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
Sally was born in Santa Monica, California. Raised alongside Disney studios, she was truly proud of growing up an “LA Girl” by her parents Melvin Jincks and Elizabeth Light. Her family moved north when she was a teenager, changing her scenery from ocean to foothills. She met the love of her life, Marvin Richards while working at the Questo’s Ranch in Mokelumne Hill, CA at the age of 17. They were married for 66 marvelous years. Sally was a hardworking woman both at work and at home. At the age of 70, Sally retired from Hunts Cannery in Oakdale.
Throughout her life, Sally had the ability to make others feel special, important and loved. She never met a stranger and spread her infectious laugh wherever she went. To her family and friends she was the epitome of strength, always able to work through tough situations and come out with a smile. She was an active member of the Catholic Church and belonged to the YLI. She was a part of the Oakdale Garden Club, Oak Valley Hospital Auxiliary, Redhat’s and Leach Colony. She led CCD classes and was a Cub Scout troop leader as she loved serving the community. She enjoyed gardening, cooking from her garden, baking and decorating beautiful cakes, playing the piano and accordion, tap dancing, puzzles and visiting with an endless number of friends. She was extremely fond of animals and took part in raising several types of livestock on her ranch in the Oakdale area. Sally was the matriarch of a family of over 40 people, her most important and prized accomplishment. Sally is survived by her loving husband, Marvin Richards of Oakdale and their four children: Marvin Jr. and his wife Rhonda of Piercy, CA; Michael and his wife Linda of Pioneer, CA; Pattie and her husband Karl of Oakdale, CA; and Christine and her husband Sheldon of Santa Rosa, CA: 14 grandchildren: Michael Jr., Charlie, Rhoda, Isaac, Aaron, Nicholas, McKenzie, Sean, Scott, Jack, Karl, Asa, Jennifer, and Amanda; and her 15 great grandchildren. Sally is survived by her sisters: Dorothy, Peggy, Betty Lynn and half-brother Jimmy. Sally is preceded by her parents, child Della and sibling Melvin Jincks.
The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader
Feb. 22, 2017