Bischoff_Elna_Richards 27 May 1920
OGDEN, UT _ Elna Richards Bischoff, 90, died peacefully at her home, June 4, 2010 of causes incident to age. At the time of her death her sons and daughter were at her side offering comfort and peace in her final hours.
Elna was born May 27, 1920 at Malad, Idaho, the daughter of Thomas W. and Hilda Merrill Richards. She is the granddaughter of L.D.S. apostle, Marriner Wood Merrill.
Elna received her elementary and secondary education in Malad, Idaho, graduating from Malad High School. After high school Elna became a student at the Thomas Dee Memorial School of Nursing in Ogden, Utah, where she received her RN degree.
Elna was sealed for time and all eternity to James H. Bischoff on September 23, 1942 in the Logan temple. They were loving parents to four children to whom Elna was a steady and faithful influence as their mother. She was truly a teacher and example to her children throughout her life.
Elna was a quiet and reserved lady, often remaining in the shadows observing others, yet stepping up to the front when she felt the need was there.
She had a passion for the English language in her selection of words, written and oral. The children often received notes from their mother that were written in a rhyming format, again displaying her love for writing.
Elna enjoyed the many friendships that were developed over the years as a member of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers. Often as one would enter her home, the soft sounds of the piano could be heard as her gentle touch of the piano keys would radiate throughout her home, or she could be observed in her chair with her eyes fixed on the text of a good book.
Mom was always one to offer a cute giggle (not a laugh, a giggle) when an amusing story was told or a grandchild would share a knock, knock joke with her. She truly appreciated a good yarn and would find humor in many situations.
Elna’s greatest joy in life was found in her love of becoming an eternal companion, followed by motherhood and by being a grandmother to 16 grandchildren and a great grandma to 20 great grandchildren. Throughout her life she was surrounded by family, extended family, numerous friends and associates.
Mom was preceded in death by her eternal companion, James, her parents, Thomas and Hilda Richards; brother, Melvin Richards, sisters, Cleopha Probst and Grace Williams; grandchildren, Amanda Wesenberg and Nicklaus Palmer Bischoff.
Elna is survived by her sister Kathryn R. Powell, three sons and their wives and one daughter and her husband; Gary (Lydia) Bischoff of Indianapolis, Indiana, Karen (Bryan)Hurst of Layton, Utah, Mark (Janette) Bischoff, and Bryan (Sue) Bischoff, both of Ogden, Utah.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Cancer Society in her name.
A viewing will be held from 6-8 p.m. at Myers Mortuary, 845 Washington Blvd., Ogden, Utah on Tuesday, June 8, 2010. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 9, 2010 at Myers Evergreen Memorial Park, 100 Monroe Blvd. Ogden, Utah.
Interment Evergreen Memorial Park, Ogden, Utah.