Faith Anne (Faye) Richey, St. Germaine
Faith Anne St. Germaine (Faye) also known as our ‘Kookum,’ age 80, passed away at her home in East Helena, in the early morning hours of January 7, 2024. Faith was surrounded by her loved ones as she peacefully left here to join her loved ones that have gone before her.
Faith was born to Ceal McConnehey and John Richey Sept 9, 1943, during the second world war. Faith was born in Waterloo, Iowa. Her mother (Ceal) lived with an aunt that ran a soldier’s home/hospital, and this is where Faith was born. Faith said that because she was born during WW2, that their personal recollection was scarce. Her father (John) served in WW2. He was on an aircraft carrier in the South Pacific and took R&R in Hawaii.
Faith’s father (John) had two other marriages before his passing. John married Anne Lattin, and later married to Eileen George/Pocha. The result of these marriages created intricate bonds and relationships. Sisters and brothers, cousins, aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews and friendships of love and respect throughout.
Faith had three children, Alan St. Germaine, Christine Sheets Welch, and Shane St. Germaine.
Faith was married to Eli (Choppy) St. Germaine, on June 14, 1961. Faith and Eli bought an original homestead at the edge of town in East Helena in the early 70’s and built a home. This spot at the edge of town became a center of family gatherings and pinocle parties after holiday dinners for years to come.
Faith was a life adventurist. She loved making the most out of everything around her. Faith loved people to the extent that she supplied a home, love, and food to anyone needing it. A common occurrence was watching one granddaughter dig for any goodies every time she showed up.
Throughout her lifetime she enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, hiking, boating, and jazz festivals. Faith even took a trip to Pendleton, Oregon to visit her sister and experience the Pendleton Roundup. One of her favorites, the wool blankets from the Pendleton factory. She had outfits and earrings to match every occasion, and not to mention house decorations! The Fourth of July was always lit up with family and friends running around with lots of food and fireworks. At the end of the night the Asarco plant put on the big display, and we all swear she had the best view in East Helena. The fireworks lit up the whole sky and delighted everyone.
Faith worked as a program and activities director at Big Sky nursing home for many years. She found love in giving back to our aging community. She would create easter egg hunts and trick or treating events. One year she even put on a fashion show to bring joy to all at Big Sky.
This love and joy trickled with her wherever she went. Later in life she worked at a school cafeteria where she brought love and laughter into the school’s food program. She worked there for a few years until she finally retired to enjoy reading, watching game shows, and going to Bingo with her friend Karen, and other lifelong friends.
Faith loved her dog Camo, which has been her companion for recent years. As she has had several over the years and Faith always seemed to attract the strays in life and give them a home.
Faith enjoyed family and friends dropping by and having a cup of coffee. Faith loved her people and was not afraid to stand up for them. Her grandson in law can recall hundreds of stories about her sticking up for him or any family member. She had a mom voice that would make a grown man run.
Faith was preceded in death by her husband Eli, mother and father, and her sister Betts, her brother Michael Richey, her nephew Isaac, her significant other Mike Kimes, and grandson Alex St. Germaine.
Faith is survived by her younger sister C. Jean Richey Eckles, older brother Pete Ritchy. Faith took in her younger sister at a young age and raised her as a mother would. Eli had become a great and trusted friend. Faith was a cornerstone to Jean’s young life. Pete was the big brother and protected Faith during their teenage years and the two had a special relationship through the years.
Faith is also survived by all three of her children Alan, Christine, and Shane; followed by many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and other family members and friends that were always considered family. Faith was one that made everyone she loved ‘family.’
A Celebration of Life will be held July 4th, 2024. At her East Helena home, starting at 4 in the afternoon and lasting until the big firework display at Asarco is finished.
Donations to help cover the cost of services, flowers, gifts, photos, or memorabilia can be sent to the family at P.O. Box 896 East Helena Mt 59635
A special thanks to certain individuals; her niece Enid Neel, for giving so much love, Christene Sheets Welch for standing by her side, her sons Alan and Shane for standing beside her through and through. Her granddaughters for being right there especially during her later years. Her sister Jean for her unwavering love and support every day.
A special note to Big Sky Cremation & Twitchell Funeral Service for their continuing support and expertise.
A very special thanks to Enhabit Home Health & Hospice for their support, information, and knowledge. Dana, Faith’s nurse didn’t have normal working hours. Dana worked around the clock for her patients. Her love, support, and help will never be forgotten.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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