Pamela Richards

Pamela Richards, 74, of Ellensburg, Washington, peacefully entered the presence of her Lord and Savior on October 1, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Known for her unwavering faith in Jesus Christ, generous hospitality, and lifelong devotion to children, Pam left a lasting impact on all who knew her.

Pam was born on May 29, 1952, in Tacoma and grew up in Edmonds, Washington, with her parents, Ernest and Patricia (Palin) Hughes. She enjoyed an active and happy childhood, spending time with her younger brothers, Ernie and John, on boating trips, beachcombing adventures, fishing outings, and gatherings with her extended Gallaher family. She often recounted fond memories of camping trips in Canada with her grandparents, Ken and Hattie Carlson, and spending time on their farm in Stanwood with her cousin Debbie, riding horses and getting into all kinds of mischief. Pam graduated in 1970 from Woodway High School.

Pam lived a life marked by faith, quiet adventure, and a heart for serving others, especially children. As a young woman during the Jesus People Movement, she came to know and accept Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior, a decision that would guide and shape the rest of her life.

In the fall of 1970, she and her first husband, Grady Sherley, moved to Southern California, where they lived on a ranch in the desert. Never one to shy away from a challenge, Pam would borrow a neighbor's .45 and head out to deal with rattlesnakes. It was an early glimpse of the courage, independence, and quiet determination that would define her life.

In 1971, they returned to Washington, where they welcomed a foster daughter, Vicki, for a time and later adopted their two children, Daniel and Joanna. Following God's call, the family embarked on one of the greatest adventures of Pam's life, moving to Kisumu, Kenya, where they spent five years helping build a church and ministering to the local community. During that time, Pam formed lifelong friendships with people in Kenya and missionaries from around the world.

Upon returning to Lynnwood, Pam opened an in-home daycare, creating a nurturing environment for countless children. On Sundays, she and her children faithfully served in the church nursery, sharing God's love with the youngest members of their congregation.
In 1990, Pam took another step of faith and moved to Ellensburg with her children. Not knowing what God had in store, it was there that she met the love of her life, Rick Richards. Together, they built the life Pam had dreamed of since childhood: a homestead filled with animals, a flourishing garden, and a home centered on faith and family.
Pam and Rick shared 35 wonderful years of marriage and were blessed to welcome a daughter, Amy, into their family. In later years, they also had the joy of raising Micah as their own, surrounding him with the same love, guidance, and unwavering support that characterized their home.

As she had everywhere she had been before, Pam faithfully ministered to those around her. An active member of the Ellensburg Foursquare Church family, she had a special passion for children and a deep desire to help them know God's love, grace, and goodness. Alongside her husband and children, she spent countless Sunday’s teaching Sunday school and sharing the love of Jesus with young hearts. She also invested in future generations by mentoring and encouraging new Sunday school teachers, leaving behind a lasting legacy of faith and service.

Pam's home was a place of peace, hospitality, and generosity, with the door always open to those in need. There always seemed to be room for one more person, whether families transitioning between homes, college students needing a place to stay, or others seeking temporary shelter, support and comfort. She always had a warm meal to share, a place at the table, and a prayer in her heart.

Pam is survived by and will be deeply missed by her loving family: her husband, Rick Richards; her brothers, Ernie Hughes and John (Monica) Hughes; and her children and grandchildren: her son, Daniel (Becky) Sherley and their children, Bailey, Bode, and Nolan Sherley; her daughter, Joanna (Brian) Hahne and her children, Rylind Hosker, Micah Sherley, and Caleb, Decklin, and Oliver Hahne; her stepson, Nathan (Julia) Richards and their child, Bain Richards; and her daughter, Amy (Daniel) Bush and their children, Clara, Vivian, and Margaret "Maisie" Bush; as well as many other relatives and dear friends.
Though she will be deeply missed, Pam's legacy lives on through the countless lives she touched with her faith, compassion, and steadfast love.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 24, at Ellensburg Foursquare Church, 906 E. Mountain View Ave., Ellensburg, WA.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Pam's memory to thinkSMALL Global (thinksmallglobal.org; P.O. Box 775, Greenacres, WA 99016), a ministry that was dear to her heart. The organization partners with local churches around the world to reach, protect, and disciple children, helping them experience the hope and fullness of life found in Jesus Christ. Through its Gospel Empowerment Outreaches, thinkSMALL equips young people to become Christ-centered leaders who transform their communities and nations.