Angela Jean "Angie" Richards

Angela Jean Richards, age 49, passed away suddenly on January 1, leaving behind family, friends, and loved ones who are heartbroken by her unexpected passing. Angela—known to most as Angie—was born on November 16, 1976, in Butte, Montana, to David and Mitzi Richards. She spent her early childhood on the Richards family ranch along the Big Hole River, where her deep love for animals and the outdoors first took root. Angie attended Reichle School from kindergarten through second grade, a small one-room K–12 country school serving ranch families in the area. A cherished childhood memory was receiving a tabby kitten from her kindergarten teacher, Ms. Huglet—a gift that began a lifelong love of cats. Angie named her kitten “Butterscotch,” and her bond with animals never faded. When Angie was in third grade, her family moved to Butte. She attended Whittier Elementary School, East Middle School, and graduated from Butte High School in 1995. Drawn to dance at an early age, she proudly participated in the Purple B’s during high school. Angie always knew she wanted to work with children. After graduating, she attended Western Montana College in Dillon, majoring in Early Childhood Education. She later spent several years in Nantucket, Massachusetts, working as a nanny for a young family—an experience she treasured. Upon returning to Butte, Angie earned her Pharmacy Technician Certificate and worked in several pharmacies throughout the area. She went on to spend many years with Town Pump in a variety of roles and was most recently employed by the State of Montana at Galen. Summer was Angie’s favorite season. She was a devoted supporter of the Montana Folk Festival, serving as an “Artist Buddy” each July. She loved meeting musicians from across the country and immersing herself in the energy and joy of the festival. Angie also cherished time spent outdoors—especially trips to the lake for tubing and kayaking, hikes in the Highlands south of Butte, and memorable visits to Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks. Angie married Paul Quilici in 2016. Though they later divorced, they remained friends, and her family is deeply grateful to Paul for the love and happy years he shared with Angie. Known for her thoughtfulness, strong work ethic, and kind, generous heart, Angie had a way of making everyone she met feel welcome and valued. She dearly loved her nieces and nephews, took pride in her home, and found great comfort and joy in her beloved cats—Socks, Midnight, and Littlefoot. Angie’s favorite hobby was crafting. She loved scrapbooking, painting ceramics, and creating wooden signs. She delighted in all holidays but especially Halloween, when she enthusiastically carved pumpkins, found creative costumes, and decorated what many considered the best house in the neighborhood. She was also a loyal Boston Red Sox fan and could always be counted on to cheer them on from afar. Angie is survived by her parents, Dave and Mitzi Richards; her sister, Marissa (Ryan) Wood; her brother, Justin (Kayce) Richards; nieces Taryn and Brityn Wood and Audrie Jensen; nephews Nolan, Brody, Ryatt Richards, and Lane Jensen; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, James and Connie Loughran and Frank and Sharlot Richards, and by her uncles Dave Jones and Steve O’Brien. Angie will be remembered for her infectious smile, unwavering kindness, and the love and acceptance she showed to all she met. Her presence was steady and sincere, and she touched many lives through quiet acts of compassion and warmth. She will be deeply missed. A private service will be held. Those wishing to honor Angie’s memory may consider a donation to the BSB Animal Shelter or to the Montana Folk Festival through MainStreet Uptown Butte

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Angela Jean "Angie" Richards

November 16, 1976 - January 1, 2026