Richey Prichard Grude
On Tuesday, March 9, Richey Grude’s battle with cancer ended peacefully in her home, with her beloved husband of 56 years by her side.
Born August 11, 1935 in Memphis, Richey was the youngest of three children born to Richey and Irene Prichard. She is survived by one sister, Norma Rogers, of Cordova, Tennessee.
In 1953 she married her soul mate, fighter pilot Lt. Lee Grude, in Chicago. While Lee finished his tour of duty in Greenland and Labrador, Richey created homes for them in Illinois and Minneapolis. After his honorable discharge from the Air Force, Lee signed on with United Airlines and moved the family to California in 1958.
Raising children Kristen Grude Kirkpatrick, Karen Grude Gearhart, Dave Grude and Doug Grude, as well as niece Jan Prichard Williams and nephew Bill Prichard was a full time career for many years. As the six children grew up and had families of their own, Richey’s interests turned to travel and helping others.
While still with United and then into retirement, Lee and Richey traveled the world. Having visited 118 countries, their extended network of friends covers the globe. Richey’s ability to bond quickly with total strangers in other countries, on cruise ships and in airports allowed her to touch the lives of others in profound ways.
Her true gift was in reaching out to those struggling with addiction. In her own 28 years of sobriety, Richey went on to support hundreds of others in their quest to live alcohol- and drug-free lives.
It was this commitment to others that will be her legacy. Throughout her illness, she was supported by those into whose lives she entered when just a few weeks sober and continued to help until her passing. People around the world share that Richey played a significant role of their recovery, and expressed gratitude for her words of wisdom during difficult times.
Richey is survived by her husband, children, and grandchildren Terra Gearhart Mortensen, Kevin and Allie Kirkpatrick, Erik Grude, Jenny Williams, Tara and Nicole Alfaro, Amy Cassel Clark and Travis Cassel.
A memorial service will be held April 10, 2009 at The First United Methodist Church, 625 Hamilton Ave in Palo Alto, California. The celebration of life begins at 3:00 PM, with a reception to follow.