Katherine Ruth “Katie” Richards, a talented artist, journalist, and dedicated social activist, passed away on May 23, 2024 at her residence in Olney, Maryland, after battling cancer for a long time. She was 61 years old.
Katie was born on July 25, 1962, in Hinsdale, Illinois, to Ruth Lorraine Richards and S. Allen Richards. She spent her early years in Elmhurst, a suburb of Chicago.
In 1973, Ruth relocated the family to Missoula, Montana, two years after Katie’s father passed away. Missoula and Montana became her lifelong home.
Katie graduated from Hellgate High School in 1980, the University of Montana in 1984, and pursued further studies as a Rhodes Scholar at the University of Oxford, where she obtained degrees in politics, philosophy, and theology. She later completed a Master of Arts degree in journalism from the University of Maryland in College Park in 1992.
While studying at Oxford, she met John Roome, whom she married in December 1987. The family moved to Olney, Maryland, where John worked for the World Bank. They raised two sons and a daughter and were active members of the Sandy Spring Friends Quaker community.
From 1992 to 1995, Katie worked as a reporter for The Baltimore Sun, covering local government stories as well as writing pieces on wildlife and sports. She later became involved with the Maryland chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America.
Aside from her journalism career, Katie was an accomplished artist, showcasing her work in galleries across the U.S. and abroad. She had a deep passion for nature and national parks, often depicting them in her paintings. She cherished her family, friends, and connections from different stages of life.
Katie is survived by her husband, John Roome, and children Sean, Matthew, and Julia. She is also survived by her brother, sister, in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her brother, Robert.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 17 at 11 a.m. at the University Center at the University of Montana in Missoula. A Zoom connection will be available; contact 925-482-7698 for more details.
