Sofia Anne "Sofie" Richards

Sofia Anne Richards, born Sofia Anne Graziano on April 21, 1949, in Des Moines, Iowa, passed away on March 2, 2026, at Meadowview of Clive following a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease.

A lifelong Iowan, Sofie graduated from St. Anthony Catholic School, St. Joseph Academy, Clarke College, and the University of Iowa, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics. She applied her analytical skills during a successful career with the City of Des Moines, Clary Consulting, and Casey’s General Stores Corporate Offices, retiring from Casey’s in 2001. She also served for many years on the Board of Directors for Graziano Brothers Inc.

Sofie was deeply devoted to her faith and her community. A founding member of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, she led numerous Bible study groups, served three years on the Parish Advisory Council—including a term as president—and participated in the Christ Renews His Parish retreats as both a participant and spiritual director. She sang in multiple choirs, cantored Masses, and contributed to the parish music ministry. She was also active in Women in God’s Service, the Monday Rosary group, and the Serra Club of Des Moines. An avid reader, she helped establish the Gentle Reader’s Book Club. In her later years, she volunteered as a companion for Wesley Life and served as a receptionist at InnerVision Women’s Clinic.

Sofie is survived by her husband of 53 years, Larry J. Richards; her children, Stephanie A. (Eric) Richards Harris of Broomfield, Colorado, and Joseph M. (Erica Cherrix) Richards of San Francisco, California; her grandchildren, Zosha M. Harris of Fort Collins, Colorado, and Rylan W. Harris of Broomfield, Colorado; and her siblings, Mary (Eric Thompson) Graziano of Galesville, Wisconsin, Michael (Ulrica Hume) Graziano of San Francisco, California, Krystina (Otis Schmidt) Graziano of Comptche, California, and Frances Graziano of Des Moines, Iowa, along with many brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins from the Graziano and Grochala families. She was preceded in death by her parents, Michael S. and Anna S. (Grochala) Graziano.