Dad's obituary

Richardson, Dr. Jay M.
Dr. Jay M. Richardson, 79, loving husband and father, passed away peacefully on May 30, 2011 in his Mesa, Arizona home. Husband to Lavona Flake Richardson for over 51 years, he was loving father to 13 children: daughters Miriam Beck, Marlene Ellingson, Rauna Mortensen, Joann Hancock, Margie Reese, and Amy, and sons Vernon, Ray, Kenneth, Melvin, Dean, and deceased sons, Donald and Dale. He was born on September 18, 1931 in Virden, New Mexico to parents Ray Lot and Verna Nelson Richardson. He is survived by his twin brother Jorth as well as brothers Bernard, Cecil, and Chet. Jay was an active member throughout his life of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Dr. Richardson practiced as a dentist in Tempe for almost 40 years. He was deeply loved and respected for his firm testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and his love of teaching, especially through writing original poetry. He served the church in the Western States, Indonesia Jakarta, and the Nauvoo Illinois missions. Jay led his family in a patient and compassionate, always loving, manner. He is also survived by 64 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. A viewing will be held at the Mesa West stake center at 2300 W. Javelina, Mesa, on Wednesday, June 1, 2011 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and also on Thursday morning, June 2, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., with funeral services at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be in the Virden, New Mexico Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the LDS Church's humanitarian or missionary funds. Online condolences can be given at www.obits.azcentral.com