Sharon La Juan Richards

Sharon La Juan Richards, 81, peacefully passed away in her sleep on August 1, 2024. She was born on June 13, 1943, in Spokane, Wash. to Nadine and Grant Richards. She was the eldest of three sisters.

She was always the first to laugh and crack a joke, and her smile would light up a room.

After graduating from Shadle Park High School, she earned a nursing degree from Spokane Community College in 1981.

Throughout her career, she worked at Shriners Hospitals for Children and St. Luke's Hospital before retiring from Cheney Medical Center in her later years. She dedicated her life to helping others, and her compassion impacted many lives.

Sharon loved family gatherings. Whether, Sunday dinners, holidays or vacation getaways, she captured and catalogued each moment with the snap of a picture.

Her hobbies included reading novels, crocheting stunning blankets, cross-stitching, and avidly solving Word Search puzzle books.

Her faith in God was unbreakable, and she faced seemingly impossible obstacles with determination, bravery, and hard work. She set an example of strength and resilience for everyone she met.

Sharon made a lovely home for herself in Cheney, Wash, but her favorite place to visit was Cannon Beach, Oregon. For her, it was heaven on earth. It was a place that brought her peace and joy.

More than anything, she loved her family, friends, and her cat, Buddy.

She is survived by her niece, Bethany Richards.

Auntie Sharon lived a full and meaningful life. Her memory will live on in those who cared for her. She will be forever loved and truly missed.

A memorial service will be held at Cheney United Methodist Church on August 31, 2024 at 2:00 p.m.

Cheney United Methodist Church

204 4th Street

Cheney, WA 99004

In memory of Sharon, donations may be sent to Shriners Hospital for Children.