Linette Rae Richie, AKA Ms. Richie, passed away at the age of 58. Her passing was peaceful while holding the hands of her two daughters, in Colville, Washington, on June 24th, 2023. Linette was born on October 11th, 1964, in Colfax, WA, the daughter of David Richard and Linda Lou (Leigh) Clough.

Linette’s beginnings were humble. Just days old, she came home to a tiny cabin outside of Curlew, Washington. But for such humble beginnings, Linette impacted people’s lives from all over the country, and was cherished by not just her family but those from every town she had ever lived in. Linette moved around a few times as a child (as most army brats do), eventually graduating from Orland High School in California. Growing up, Linette cheered, took part in theatre, and was always in choir and band. Upon graduating high school, she received multiple scholarships from different universities to play in their orchestras.

As an adult, Linette raised her two daughters, Nickie Bird and Ashleigh Richie-Snyder, as a single mom. She was a para-educator and coach throughout their childhood. As a cheerleading coach, she took many teams to competitions in California and Washington and had a room full of trophies and plaques for all the times she won. Linette also worked for UCA (Universal Cheer Association) for numerous years. Some of her daughters’ fondest memories are of going to UCA/UDA camps and meeting famous cheerleaders and dancers, among them Paula Abdul.

Once both of Linette’s daughters had graduated from high school, she continued her own schooling, eventually earning a double Masters in two different fields of education. Linette landed her first official teaching job within the Colville School District. This was truly her dream job, as she was the music teacher for preschool-5th grade. In her time as a music teacher, Linette received many awards and accolades, including Music Teacher of The Year. But her love of teaching children didn’t stop at school. Linette’s hand was in many facets of the community, and one of her biggest loves was theatre. So, with the help of her daughters, she founded the Woodland Children’s Theatre.

Often described by her daughters as a walking, talking disco ball, Linette always had a vibrant musical personality (not to mention she loved to dress in sequins). Her passions were infectious. In fact, many a person in Stevens County and other communities owe their love of music and the arts to Linette because she had taught and influenced thousands of kids within her time on this earth.

Linette is survived by her significant other, Allen Michel of Kettle Falls, WA; parents, Dave and Linda Clough of Republic, WA; daughters, Nickie Bird (Zack) of Colville, WA, Ashleigh Richie-Snyder (Richard) of Colville, WA; grandchildren, Avaleigh Bird and Aleighssa Richie-Snyder; siblings, Lisa Peaker of Couer d’Alene, ID, Wendy Braun (Julian) of Republic, WA, Shannon Roark (Stacy) of Spokane, WA, Chayce Owens (Khiana) of Colville, WA, Stephanie Phillips (Levi) of Priest River, ID; numerous nieces and nephews, and a community that will severely miss her.

An outdoor celebration of life for Ms. Linette R. Richie will begin at 11:00 am, Saturday, July 22nd, at 575 C. Hwy 395, Kettle Falls, WA 99141. There will be a potluck, bouncy house, and a stage with an open mic. Linette’s family invites anyone who knew her to share stories and take part in a variety show in honor of Linette’s passion for the arts. Memorial contributions may be given to the Linette Richie Memorial Scholarship Fund at https://everloved.com/life-of…. Please visit the online memorial and sign the guestbook at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com

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