Miriam Karen Fouch

Miriam Karen Fouch
Miriam Karen Fouch, beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother and sister passed away surrounded by family in her home on Oct. 10, 2024.

Miriam, or Karen as she was commonly known, was born Aug. 3, 1956, in Twentynine Palms, California to John and Nona Fouch (nee Smith).

She was preceded in death by both of her parents.

Karen is survived by her two children, Jerry Richards Jr. and Emmett Lee Richards; as well as her grandchildren Paxton James Richards (Amanda), Bailey Marie Richards and Kane Spencer Richards; great grandchildren Persephone Rose Richards, Avionna Daisey Richards and soon to be born Navi Karen-Anne Richards.

Karen was raised for the first 10 years of her life in Ontario, California where she made friendships that lasted into her adult life. In 1965 her family moved to Mariposa, California, just outside of Yosemite, where her parents operated a general store. She graduated from Mariposa County High School in 1974. She married Jerry Richards in 1975 and their first son, Jerry Richards Jr. was born in 1976. They lived in numerous towns including Twain Harte and Modesto before finally settling in Susanville, California in 1978. Emmett Lee Richards was born in 1979. The couple divorced in 1984. She continued to live in Susanville and worked as a waitress while attending Lassen Community College, earning her associate’s degree. She also studied accounting at Chico State University. She was hired by the Lassen County Recorder’s Office in 1989. From there she moved to the Lassen County Auditor’s Office and eventually became auditor of the county in 2002. She was re-elected three times and retired in 2014. Karen was a wizard on a 10-key calculator and often said that she loved solving the puzzles that working with numbers provided. She was well loved in her office and maintained friendships long after retirement.

Karen was a lover of the little things in life and always cherished nice days, good conversation and family connections. She enjoyed kayaking at Antelope Lake and weekends at Lake Almanor with her friends. She also enjoyed traveling the world with her sister Beth, brother-in-law Jim, brother Rex and many very close cousins and aunts and uncles. After her retirement she chose to stay in the community of Susanville to be close to her son Emmett and her grandson Kane. Helping to raise Kane was a point of pride for her and she reveled in the young man that he has become. Her sense of humor, zest for life and words of wisdom will truly be missed.

“A mother is she who can take place of all others but whose place no one else can take.” – Cardinal Gaspard Mermillod

A memorial service has been planned for 11 a.m. Nov. 30, in Mariposa, California.

Please email Emmett Richards at erichards56@gmail.com for details.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Honey Lake Valley Hospice, PO Box 1166, Susanville, CA 96130.