Born: Thursday Aug-17-1950
Died: Saturday May-02-2026
Funeral: Monday May-18-2026

Morrison Funeral Home
& Crematory
188 S. Hwy 24
Rupert, Idaho 83350
Contact and Directions

Janice Nadine Richards, 75 of Rupert, Idaho passed away, peacefully asleep, with her sons by her side May 2, 2026

Janice was born on August 17, 1950, in Butte Montana to Fred Wilson Richards and Eleanor Edna Pritchert Richards. She joined an older sister, Jeanine A Richards.

Janice attended school in Butte until graduating high school in 1968. Janice left home, moving to Billings, Montana to attend Rocky Mountain College for two years studying Music Education, and then another two years attending Eastern Montana College to attain her Special Education and Reading Endorsements.

Janice married her high school sweetheart Robert Koski to whom two sons; Shawn and Michael were born. They made their home in Billings, Montana where Janice taught as a Reading Specialist and in Special Education. Janice and Bob would later divorce. Janice continued her education at this time, receiving a BS in Secondary Education before moving with the boys to Idaho where she would continue her career as an educator teaching in Idaho Falls, Burley, and Declo.

Later in her career, Janice would move to Las Vegas, Nevada, finding a new and different environment in the education world. This adventure would last about 5 years before Janice returned home to Idaho to be close to her boys, finding a permanent home in Rupert. Janice officially retired from teaching in 2009 after 38 years caring for all students.

Janice accomplished many goals in her life. She was an avid piano player, travelled to Mexico, taught English as a Second Language at the College of Southern Idaho. Janice enjoyed time with her cats and found a passion for writing. Sitting at her computer, Janice wrote numerous books from home. Becoming a published author was a milestone for Janice, which her sons were also proud of her for accomplishing.

Janice was proceeded in death by her parents, Fred and Eleanor Richards, a nephew, Mark Schmidt, and numerous other extended family members.

Janice is survived by her two sons, Shawn of Rupert, Idaho and Michael Koski of Burley, Idaho, sister Jeanine (Jack) Schmidt of Missoula, Montana, a granddaughter, Jenny Jorgenson-Davidson of North Dakota, niece, Tina (Kevin) Haines and their daughters of Livingston, Montana, and nephew, Benjamin Schmidt and his daughters.

Shawn and Michael wish to express their deepest thanks to the Drs, nurses, and staff at Minidoka Memorial Hospital, Countryside Care and Rehabilitation, and St Lukes, Twin Falls for their utmost care and compassion that mom was shown and received.

 A memorial service will be held May 18^th, 2026, at 2:00 pm at the Rupert Methodist Church 605 H ST. Rupert, Idaho.   

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