Barbara Jean Richardson, 89

Barbara Jean Richardson, 89, of Post Falls, Idaho, passed away Sept. 23, 2025. Barb was born Jan. 6, 1936, to Robert and Irene (Reed) Acker in the Boston, Mass., suburb of Cambridge, grew up in the area, married Bill Richardson in 1958 and welcomed three sons.

Later in life, they lost one son, Brad, to a flying accident. His lovely wife, Dee, later became their daughter. Bill was a highly trained combat photographer (Korean War) and a registered sharpshooter. In civilian life, he was an industrial photographic specialist, working at Honeywell and MIT.

In 1970, Barb and Bill moved from Massachusetts to Vermont, where they owned and operated a Dunkin’ Donuts franchise. In 1975, they sold the business and moved to Phoenix, where they owned a mall business called Family Heritage and Barb started a business in advertising and marketing. Bold, exciting and demanding, it required extensive travel, including to a few states not yet visited. Now, Barb had actually been to all 50 of our states, Canada and Mexico.

Barb’s education included 2 ½ years of community college, CEU, and coursework at Boston Business School, Harvard University (philosophy), Philip Crosby College, Arizona State University, several trade organizations, and close collaboration with the USPS — mailing multi-millions of pieces, catalogs and magazines. Honors included election to the National Junior Honor Society, selection for biographical record in Marquis Who’s Who in Advertising (first issue) in 1990/1991 and the 17th issue of Marquis Who’s Who of American Women 1991/1992.

Barb’s interests and hobbies included reading, learning languages, science discoveries, medical and others; participation in an active Bible Study group of 12, the FAB 5 group for friendship, love, support and fun; volunteer work as needed elsewhere and for Affinity; making new friends; and fun to add to the already busy list of pastimes.

Barb is survived by her son, Ken Richardson, and his wife, Wendi.

Yates Funeral Home is entrusted with the final arrangements.  Please visit Barb’s online memorial and sign her guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.