Edith Paula Richardson

Edith Paula Richardson Nash, 88, passed away Jan. 19, 2012, in Portland, Ore., after a brief illness. She was born in Hugoton, Kan., on Jan. 26, 1923, to Lottie and Reuben Richardson. There she grew up, went to school, attended church, loved her family and learned the meaning of resilience, courage, optimism and humor during the “worst hard times,” the Dust Bowl days and the Great Depression. After high school graduation, she joined the U.S. Coast Guard to honorably support her country during World War II. After the war, she married John R. Nash from Lakin, Kan. She joined the ranks of housewife, mother and career woman; she lived and worked in Yuma, Ariz., where she was employed as a librarian at the high school and city library. She then moved to Kansas City, Mo., where she worked as a medical transcriber for many years, and enjoyed being close to her daughter and grandson. She finally settled in Rogers, Ark., where she enjoyed semi-retirement, the company of her younger sisters, close friends, and pursuing a wide variety of activities and interests. She was an avid reader, bridge player, student of the arts, political and philosophical debater, and loved going out for coffee with family and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Elizabeth Richardson Burdge; and her grandson, John Nash Martin. She is survived by her daughter, Marsha Nash Schauer; son, John R. Nash and wife, Terry Rooney, and son, Thomas R. Nash. Her grandchildren are Daniel Schauer and wife, Karin Wriggle, Colleen Nash and Bobby Nash. Her great-grandchildren are Dylan Martin Culwell, Seth Martin and Peter Daniel Wriggle. She is also survived by her beloved sisters, Jean Rowden and Joan Gregory; nieces and nephews; and many special friends to remember her great beauty and loyal friendship. She will go home to rest with her parents in the Hugoton, Kan., cemetery. A visitation and remembrance by her family will follow in the spring.