Daisy Belle Songer Richards
PABLO - Daisy Belle Songer Richards, 91, of Pablo died at her home Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2004.
Daisy was born Feb. 4, 1913, in Almira, Wash., the daughter of Andrew J. and Clara (Bachman)
Songer was an avid outdoorswoman and loved riding her horse throughout the west. Packing in the backcountry was her favorite pastime. She loved riding with her many, any friends, whether it be along the Flathead or in the Bob Marshall. She always loved being on her beloved companion, "Hombre."
When she was not riding with her beloved husband of 48 years, she enjoyed gardening - whether it was putting her green thumb to work growing incredible fruits and vegetables for canning or simply turning her home into a rainbow of colors with her magnificent flowers.
Daisy enjoyed cracking the whip on her much loved family and friends. Many friends enjoyed helping her and Grandpa Ken take care of their place, whether cutting up fallen trees of cutting them down to protect the buildings.
After a few hours of work, we all would get to go out to eat. Her family looked forward to spring and fall cleanup, making sure things to ready for a hard winter or early spring.
Fishing or hunting didn't escape this woman's mastery either. She loved it all from catching huge pike in Lonepine Reservoir or filling the freezer with fresh elk or moose meat.
She could never seem to get her fill of fresh air or the great outdoors, which she proved over the decades of her vast life. She spent days hiking around Indian ruins of Arizona and New Mexico and panned for gold at the age of 71 on a five-week pack trip into the mountains of western Montana.
Even at five feet tall and 120 pounds, no one ever doubted the amazing feats this woman was capable of accomplishing - from loading up a string of pack horses or throwing the best homemade bread of a slice of freshly made strawberry rhubarb pie on the table. She did it all with an uncanny way of making it all so simplistic.
Though she lived a full and long life, no one will ever feel they had enough time with her. She had a love for life that kept you always wondering what she would be doing next. Without saying a word, she made everyone around her feel like there was nothing they couldn't do if they would just do it. Grandma and Grandpa were a team for almost half a century and made lifetime friends wherever they went.
Once they were riding in the backcountry of the Bob Marshall and met a forestry student from the University of Montana doing summer week. More than 20 years later, the once-young student still comes out west every year to visit and spend time riding with them. She and all who knew Grandma Daisy will miss her dearly.
Thank you, Grandma and Grandpa, for all you have taught your grandkids as well as your great-grandkids over the years. We love you and Grandma and will deeply miss you.
Daisy was preceded in death by her daughter Jennette Clara Violette; stepchildren, George Thomas Richards and Vickie Richards; and sister, Helen Songer Spencer.
She is survived by her husband, Kenneth Owen Richards of Pablo; stepdaughter, Adella Richards Downer of Las Vegas; grandchildren, Kurt A. Folden of Pablo and Clint J. (Kim) Folden of Arlee; great-grandchildren, Dwayne Folden of Bozeman, Denae Folden Marceau of Polson, Dustin Folden of Arlee, Tyrel Folden of Arlee, and several step-great-grandchildren; her sisters, Esther Songer Titcomb of Pablo and LaVonne "Bunny" Songer Pierce of Pablo.
Mass of the Christian Burial was celebrated Aug. 24 at the St. Ignatius Mission. Interment was in Mountain View Cemetery, Ronan.