Mena Richards

Mena Irene Richards, a long-time resident of Casper, died Saturday the 2nd of February.

Mena was born on August 5, 1922 in Westminster, SC to Reverend Alexander Pickney Richards and Mary (Blackwell) Richards. Her life-long love for her parents was powerful and evident to anyone who spoke to her for even a short period of time. Her conversations were filled with stories about them and her siblings (Ruby, Nelson, Daucey, and Pearl). The family moved to Seneca and then Newry, where her father's job in the cotton mill produced memories she cherished for the rest of her life.

A brave woman, she left her family and travelled cross-country to Wyoming after marrying Walter Ruckle. She had three children whom she loved tremendously, Larry, Nancy and Wayne. The loss of her youngest son to an automobile accident was a staggering loss, but it strengthened her faith. Always one to focus on her blessings, she loved her children and grandchildren dearly. Her face would light up when talking about how the family had grown, today consisting of her two children, 5 grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, and 6 great great grandchildren.

A resident of Casper since 1962, Mena had made many close friends while working at Wyoming Medical Center. A strong and independent person, she supported herself and provided help to her growing family whenever she could. Sleepovers were filled with unique foods from her childhood in the South, card games, and painting fingernails (hers and the grandkids').

Through a long struggle against Alzheimer's, Mena took comfort from pleasant memories of her life. She was kind and loving to those around her. When asked to describe herself, she once said "I like to give hugs."