Wendy Jean Richmond-Bemis, age 52, passed away on September 11, 2006. Wendy was the P.E. teacher at Discovery Elementary School in Glendale, Arizona since 1992. She cared deeply for all of her children, giving them her extra time and encouraging words of support, especially to those who struggled. She was the caretaker of the small injured creatures that her students found and brought to her for aid. Wendy was an accomplished writer as well as an expert ornithologist who knew the name of numerous species of bird by sight or song. Wendy leaves behind her devoted husband, best friend and soul mate Blaine (B-Man) Bemis, son Brady Bemis, mother Jean Richmond, mother-in-law Norma Bemis, brother Craig (and Sherry) Richmond, brothers and sisters by marriage: Chris and LaNell Bemis, Richard and Kim Bemis, Lorraine Larson, four nieces and eight nephews, her 860 children at Discovery, her coffee buddies Marcia and Cynthia, and countless friends and colleagues. She is preceded in death by her father William Richmond, her father-in-law Richard Bemis and her brother-in-law Brett A. Larson. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 23, 2006 at 4:00 p.m. in Wickenburg, Arizona. Arrangements are under the direction of Wickenburg Funeral Home. 928-684-2081. In lieu of donations or flowers, Wendy's family and friends feel certain she would prefer that you spare a little of your time to scatter some birdseed or hang a jar of sugar water for the feathered friends of your backyard and neighborhood.
Published in The Arizona Republic on Sept. 19, 2006
Growing up in Berea, Wendy was my neighbor and best friend. Our music teacher formed an all female band. Wendy played drums and I played guitar. We wanted cool names in the band so Wendy chose the name Sunni. I played a finger-picking style of accoustic guitar and sometimes the strings squeaked, so Wendy named me Cricket - a nickname I still use 50 years later.
My Dad bought 11 mini-bikes in an auction and let all the neighborhood kids ride them in the open area under the high tension wires next to our house. This is Wendy riding one of those mini-bikes. We had so much fun. Today, our mutual friend and class of 1971 alum Linda Rowan now lives on the same street.
Wendy had the best family - a great brother Craig, the sweetest mother who worked at Baldwin Wallace College, and her Dad was a talented photographer. Instead of a cat or a dog, she had a rabbit than ran loose in the house which I thought was very unique. She was 2 years ahead of me in high school, so we lost touch after she graduated. It is very sad to know she is gone now, but she will never be forgotten.
Marion Roller (Inglish)
Wendy was a fun,loving person. I had no idea she left us until I logged into this site.Karen Konery (Lowry)
Wendy was always smiling! She was fun to be in her company and a very smart person! My condolences to her family.
Kathleen Kinsner (Baginski)
Published in The Arizona Republic on Sept. 19, 2006
Pam Miles (Bush)
Growing up in Berea, Wendy was my neighbor and best friend. Our music teacher formed an all female band. Wendy played drums and I played guitar. We wanted cool names in the band so Wendy chose the name Sunni. I played a finger-picking style of accoustic guitar and sometimes the strings squeaked, so Wendy named me Cricket - a nickname I still use 50 years later.
My Dad bought 11 mini-bikes in an auction and let all the neighborhood kids ride them in the open area under the high tension wires next to our house. This is Wendy riding one of those mini-bikes. We had so much fun. Today, our mutual friend and class of 1971 alum Linda Rowan now lives on the same street.
Wendy had the best family - a great brother Craig, the sweetest mother who worked at Baldwin Wallace College, and her Dad was a talented photographer. Instead of a cat or a dog, she had a rabbit than ran loose in the house which I thought was very unique. She was 2 years ahead of me in high school, so we lost touch after she graduated. It is very sad to know she is gone now, but she will never be forgotten.