Conna Richey, longtime Ketchum resident and beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend to many, passed away in St. George, Utah, on June 14, 2014, at the age of 85.
Conna was born in Heber City, Utah, on Feb. 23, 1929. In 1937, her family moved to the Salt Lake City area.
After graduating from high school in 1947, Conna accepted employment as an accordionist with Utah Parks Company and soon she was asked to relocate to Sun Valley. Over 20 years later, she was still playing to the lunch crowd at the Roundhouse.
In 1949, Conna married Ken Richey—who later became first mayor of Ketchum and the maitre d’ and manager of Sun Valley’s Duchin Room. Her life’s activities revolved around her husband and her three sons: David, Kirby and Brent.
In addition to being a working mother—and succeeding at both endeavors—Conna was also dedicated to her dearly loved community of Ketchum and to the Wood River Valley. She was one of the founding members of the Papoose Club in 1954 and contributed many hours and resources to additional causes such as Ketchum PTA, Cub Scouts, Little League, Women’s Service Organizations, etc.
Her family and her community were her life. Conna and Ken later lived in Hailey, Phoenix and St. George, Utah, but she always considered Ketchum her home.
Conna is survived by her husband, her three sons, seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. We miss you Mom, and we will always love you.
