Illa Mae Richardson

It is with solemnity that we announce the passing of Illa Mae Cook Richardson, age 93, on February 22, 2025, in Peoria, Arizona. Illa Mae, a cherished member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has blessed the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Born on September 13, 1931, in Firth, Idaho, to Frank and Anna Cook, Illa Mae was blessed with a remarkable gift for music from a young age. She fell in love with Newell Kay Richardson while a student at Brigham Young University. In 1953, Illa Mae earned a degree in music performance and the happy couple were then married in the Idaho Falls Temple. While her husband finished medical school, she kept busy raising her young children. A dedicated pianist, organist, vocalist, music teacher, composer, and choir director, Illa Mae served in numerous capacities within the church and community. Her music was a reflection of her deep faith, and her sharing of that faith enriched the spiritual lives of many – often those that may have felt forgotten.

While serving as matron in the Idaho Falls Temple, amongst her many responsibilities, Illa Mae mentored chapel organists: always providing uplifting spiritual messages to each on a regular basis. Illa Mae shared the gospel not only through her music, but also was a selfless example of a true friend to those in need. She lived by the teachings of Jesus Christ throughout her life including fulfilling a service mission with her husband in Chile, who preceded her in death.

Illa Mae was a devoted mother to six children, grandmother to 23, and great-grandmother to 42–survived by all posterity. Illa Mae’s greatest joy was her posterity; she treasured her individual relationships with “each and every one” down to her great-grandchildren. To that end, she would want to name each of them:

Scott Edmund (Maria) Richardson: Janae Marie (Nicolas) Martin; Brenden Scott Richardson: Mikenzie Reja’, Roanin Matthew; Stetson Lee Richardson; Annette Renee Richardson: Jenelle Renee Ounjian: Derek Gabriel, Brielle; Justin Newell Richardson: Soraka Francina, Zayah Kay; Juliane Nicole (Arthur) Magana: Brody Anthony, Willow Mae; Mark Newell (Kimberly) Richardson: Courtney Anne (John) Houghton: Myka Anne, Sage Rene, Cardon John; Austin Gordon (Lindsay) Richardson: Brighton Randal, Aleena Marie, Irelynn Jade; Kyle Mark (Lauren) Richardson: Everett Mark, Virginia May, Nellie Ann; Aubrey Lee (Brent) Stock: Lucy Mae, Graham Evan, Clara Diane; Heather Joan (Douglas) Wadley; Joan (Alan) Landes: Adrienne (Sterling) Mann: Eleanor, Sterling, Charlotte, Juliet, Henry; Robert (Randee) Landes: Hayden, Lucy, Millie, Norah, Rushton; Amelia (Matthew) Murdock: Lydia, Vivian, Eliza, Madeline; Allison (Thorsten) Zarembowicz; Russell (Karissa) Landes: Calvin, Luke, Diana, William; Ryan (Chelsea) Landes: Ivy, Easton; Abigail Landes; Joel Frank (Sandi) Richardson: Joshua Joel (Marisol) Richardson: Dominic Alberto, Roman Ventura; Natalie Nicole Richardson; Ashlynn Lee Richardson; Dallin Cook (Jennifer) Richardson: Alicia Marie and Spencer Cordero.

Illa Mae’s legacy of music, faith, and love will continue to inspire and uplift all who knew her. Her sweet melodies and kind spirit will be deeply missed, but we take comfort in knowing she is now in the presence of her Heavenly Father.

Funeral Services will be held at 12 p.m. Saturday, March 22, 2025, at the Long Cove Ward chapel, 1925 East 49th South, Idaho Falls, Idaho. The family will visit with friends from 10:30-11:45 a.m. prior to services. Interment will be in the Goshen Cemetery in Goshen, Idaho.

Condolences may be offered at www.woodfuneralhome.com.