Kerry Marie Richards 65, passed away unexpectedly on August 13 ^th , 2022.  She was born August 20 ^th , 1956 in Tigard, Oregon.  She was the daughter of William E. and Martha Jane Swift.

Kerry graduated Tigard High School Class of 1974.  She went onto Oregon State University and graduated in 1978 with a bachelor's degree in Broadcasting/Videography and minored in Geology.  Kerry moved to Bend in 1978 to become KTVZ News Reporter, where she met the love of her life, Mark and they married in 1980.  They soon moved to the valley, and she worked at the Oregon State Capital in the legislative media department.  Later Kerry went on to work at Salem Hospital for 26 years.  During that time, she had many roles, first the cardiac department then Manager in the media department, lastly she was the CME training coordinator for all the Doctor's.

Kerry is survived by her husband of 42 years, Mark, their daughter Erin and her husband Aaron Zink and their daughter Ariyah. Their son Jared and his wife Ashley Richards and their 4 kids Marlin, Klay, Soraya and Raven.

Kerry Loved the outdoors and started climbing mountains in college, she climbed Mt. Hood and the South Sister's Mountains.  She loved camping, Mark and Kerry backpacked most of the 8 lakes in the Cascades, clam digging, kayaking, boating, fishing (she was a better fisherman then Mark) and crabbing but most of all she loved spending time with family.  Kerry's grandkids meant the world to her, and she loved being with them.

Kerry lived 39 years in the Silverton Hills and contributed and volunteered her time at Silver Crest School. She was also on the board of the Drakes Crossing Fire Department.

Our family had 7 acres and she loved and kept a beautiful garden.  The farm had horses, goats, cows, dogs and cats.

As a family we spent 10 years on the mountain.  While Mark was on the Mt. Hood ski patrol, she cared for us kids and taught us to ski and have fun with our friends. She had amazing love, support, strength and patience for her husband and family.

"My Angel, my love, my inspiration in life.  I need you; I look to heaven and know you are there."

Thank you, Family and friends, for your prayers, thought and cards.  Bless you.