Carla R. RichardsJohnstonCarla Renee' Richards, 54, by God's grace, was called to heaven on November 7, 2017. This passionate lady was born on December 26, 1962, to Carolyn Knapp Doggett of Johnston and Charles Spare (Debbie) of Leawood, KS. Carla graduated from Urbandale High School in 1981 and earned her bachelor's degree in Marketing and Economics from the University of Iowa in 1985.Carla was a market area leader winning countless sales and service awards during her thirty year career in the residential mortgage lending industry. She started with Iowa Mortgage Corporation and AmerUs Mortgage in the late 1980's through 1995, followed by fifteen years managing the residential lending department for Bankers Trust Company, and then working with affluent clients within the Private Mortgage Banking group of Wells Fargo Home Mortgage. Carla earned a Master of Banking award and was a graduate of the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute and an inductee into the Business Record's 40 Under 40 in 2002.She also volunteered her passion and business skills to several local charities serving as Treasurer for Bras For the Cause, a former Co-Chair for the American Heart Association Heart Ball, a committee member and fundraiser for Boys and Girls Club, a member of the finance council for St Francis of Assisi, and a long-time volunteer for Variety Club of Iowa.Despite her extraordinary professional life, Carla's joy was spending time with her supportive and close-knit family and her cadre of "fierce lady friends". Whether you spent time with her in a 5 am kickboxing class, went shopping, met for coffee or cocktails, attended a business meeting, bicycled through Italy or just lounged around on a Caribbean island on vacation, Carla exhibited a focus and intensity most people cannot achieve. It was an outward expression of just how deeply she loved and cared for everyone in her life. She truly did not know the meaning of holding back.It was that same depth of love that broke her heart when her daughter passed away in 2014. In her effort to heal, find meaning, and help others, Carla co-founded "Anna's Warriors". The purpose of this foundation in honor of her daughter was to raise awareness of the heroin epidemic in Iowa, provide education about the stigma surrounding addiction, and counsel parents regarding treatment options, especially how to assess the quality of rehab facilities.Carla is survived by her mother, Carolyn Knapp Doggett, father Charles (Debbie) Spare, her sister Robin (Eric) Bunce, her brother Brian (Kendra) Padavich, her son Ryan Richards, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her daughter Anna Richards.All services will be held on Saturday, November 11, 2017 at First Assembly of God Church, 2725 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, beginning with visitation from 10am-12pm (Noon), followed by the funeral service beginning at 12 pm (Noon). Interment will be at Resthaven Mausoleum in West Des Moines. Memorials may be directed to ANNA's WARRIORS at Powell CDC Adolescent Program. Checks may be mailed to Unity Point Health Foundation, 1415 Woodland, Suite E200, Des Moines, IA 50309. Online condolences will be welcomed at www.IlesCares.com.