Lowell Arthur Richards, 86 of Sterling, passed away Thurs., Dec. 31, 2015 in Ft. Collins, CO. Visitation will be Wed., Jan. 6, 2016 from 1pm until 2pm with funeral service to be at 2pm at Chaney-Reager Funeral Home. Rev. Michelle Witherspoon is officiating and interment to follow at Riverside Cemetery.

Lowell was born Feb. 22, 1929 in Osceola, Iowa to Orlow Zeno and Ada Pauline Davis Richards. He graduated from Sterling High School in 1947. Lowell attended NJC on a scholarship, then attended UNC receiving his Bachelor Degree in History and Education. He continued his education at Western State in Gunnison and earned his Masters Degree.

He started his teaching career in Crook, then on to Kirk, as well as Merino. Lowell continued his love of education by becoming principal and administrator in Merino, Maybelle, De Beque and Idalia. Lowell also taught Drivers Education and worked at Triple AAA after retirement from the school system.

He was a member of the Shriner's Club, BPO Elks and the Masons. Lowell loved hunting, fishing, watching Elway of the Broncos and Tulo of the Rockies.

Lowell is survived by his daughters Melodie K. Pier and husband David of Sterling and Jodi Ruggieri of Hot Springs, SD; brother Leland Richards and wife Marjorie of Greeley ; sisters Joan Dalley of Seal Beach, CA and Lois Todd of Medford, OR; grandchildren Brandi Strauser and husband Matthew of Ft. Collins and Kaylee Pier of Ft. Collins; great grandchildren Madilyn Strauser and Alden Strauser.

Contributions may be made to the Lowell Richards Memorial.