KATIE RICHARDS

KATIE RICHARDS

Katie Richards, born on August 28, 1978, in Fargo, North Dakota was the beloved daughter of Randy and Carmen (Satrom) Richards. Her journey through life was a testament to the power of passion, commitment, and an unwavering love for her family, friends, students, and the game of basketball.

Katie’s early years growing up on the farm in Hope, ND is where her work ethic started. It was where she first laced up her basketball shoes, displaying a natural talent and a fierce determination that would soon become her trademark. Through countless hours of practice and an unyielding work ethic, she transformed herself into a standout basketball player. Katie was co-Miss Basketball in the state of North Dakota and she played an important role on the University of North Dakota Women’s Basketball three NCAA Division II National Championships in the late '90s.

After graduating in 1996 from Hope High School, Katie furthered her studies at the University of North Dakota obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Education then continued on to get a Master of Education in Special Education. Katie's career in education began at the Griggs Steele Traill (GST) Special Education Unit in Portland, ND. Later, she transitioned to a special education role at Mayville Portland Clifford Galesburg (MPCG) High School. Her educational journey culminated in her role as Director of Student Success & Disability Support Services at Mayville State University. In this capacity, Katie made a positive impact on the lives of students, faculty, and staff. She had an unwavering dedication to assisting students in reaching their academic goals. As an educator, she fostered an environment of growth, compassion, and determination, sharing not only knowledge but also life lessons. Her impact on the lives of her students went beyond the classroom.

Katie's coaching career was a continuation of her love for basketball and her desire to nurture young talent. She held various coaching positions at different age levels, where her guidance and enthusiasm instilled the values of teamwork, determination, and sportsmanship. She took on the role of an assistant coach for the MPCG boys' basketball program, passing on her passion for the game and her wisdom to the next generation.

Yet, her most significant and cherished role was that of a mother. Katie's love for her four children, Marit, Lawyer, Marshall, and Case, was immeasurable. Her dedication to them was boundless, and everything she did was a reflection of the deep love she held for her family. Her legacy lives on through her children, as they carry forward the lessons she taught and the love she shared.

Katie's infectious laughter, her boundless love, and her commitment to her family, friends, students, and the game she cherished, will be remembered by all who were fortunate to know her. Her memory will endure in the hearts of countless lives she touched throughout her life.

Katie is survived by her children, Marit, Lawyer, Marshall and Case Judisch of Mayville, ND and their father Scott Judisch of Clifford, ND; her parents, Randy and Carmen Richards, Hope, ND; brother, Tony Richards, Hope, ND and nieces, Sophia, Fargo, ND, Rian, Mayville, ND and Britan Richards, Hope ND; sister Brandi and brother-in-law Darin Stromstad, and nephews, Andreas, Jonas and Marius Stromstad, Dilworth, MN. She was preceded in death by her sister Monica Patterson.

Rest in peace, dear Katie. Your light may have dimmed, but the impact you left on the lives of those you touched will forever shine brightly and inspire us all to BE BETTER.

A memorial endowment has been set up in Katie’s memory and will support women’s basketball scholarships at UND.

Visitation will be from 11:00 am till 1:00 pm followed by a Celebration of Life at 1:00 pm Saturday, November 11, 2023 at the Mayville-Portland School, Mayville, ND.  A one hour reception will be held one hour after the service at the School.  Interment will be at 3:30 pm in the Hope Cemetery, Hope, ND will fellowship after in the Hope Legion, Hope, ND.