Illa Ione Richardson (Onie)

Illa Ione Richardson (Onie), transitioned peacefully December 10, 2021, at her home in Mt. Shasta, California. Ione was born June 13, 1927 on the Sheindilar Ranch in Nebraska. She left Nebraska in 1936 when drought dried out the family farm. Ione’s father, Joseph Holecek (Joe), mother Katherine (Katie) and brother Everett headed west. The first months were spent traveling and finding work in the fields and orchards from Washington State to Manteca, California, where they stayed with family. Ione, age nine, moved to Mt. Shasta when her father Joe took a bookkeeper job at Schuler’s Department Store.

Attending school in Mt. Shasta, Onie met Aaron Lee Richardson. They married after WWII in Berkeley California on June 23, 1946. Ione worked for the US Forest Service for several years. When Aaron’s excavating and grading business began, Ione managed the back office work, accounts payable and receivable, purchase order and payroll. The business, “Aaron Richardson and Son”, continues today under the guidance of their son, Brian.

Ione was a founding member of the local chapter of “Beta Sigma Phi” sorority. She volunteered for many years doing community projects and blood drives. Ione loved hosting family holiday get-togethers, especially the BBQ at the house on the Fourth of July after the parade. She enjoyed knitting, needlepoint, walking with her girlfriends and driving to town every day to see what was going on. Ione loved her pets, the outdoors and spent lots of time in her large yard and flower garden.

Onie gave birth to three children. Daughter Terry Lea predeceased her. Ione is survived by daughter Diana Pillon Woolfstead (Roy) and son Aaron Brian Richardson (Michelle); grandchildren Lauren Pillon Beebout (Robert) and son Aaron, Haley Gilmore (Andy) and sons Mason and Jaxon, and Cameron Woolfstead; nephew Matthew Richardson, niece Kelly Richardson, nephew Kenny Richardson (Cyndi) and daughter Tracie (Adam), niece Kay VanDyke and children Charlin, Scott, Randi and Ryan, brother-in-law John Davis, nephew Steven Wright (Randy), and son Jamison, niece Noma Hegseth (David) and children Chad Hegseth (Leslie) and Megan Janowitz, niece Robin Varnum (Conley) and children, Carlie and Jennifer, niece Terry Holecek and children Ben and Allison.

Ione was personable, and social. She loved her family and friends many of whom have predeceased her. Onie always had a positive outlook. She adapted to life’s changes as well as her own circumstances with courage, spirited resistance, but always moved toward gentle acceptance. She loved all with a welcoming heart, and was respected and loved by all fortunate enough to know her.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Mercy Mt. Shasta Hospice.