Everyone who knew Rosario “Rose” Richardson was blessed by her kindness, smile and willingness to help. She was known to many for these qualities, but also as the matriarch of the Arkansas men's basketball teams for 17 seasons.

Rose was the loving wife and beloved companion of Razorbacks coach Nolan Richardson. On Sunday, Nolan lost his “best friend” when Rose died at her home in Fayetteville. She was 84.

Nolan and Rose were a great team. The Hall of Fame coach could be fiery and combative. Rose always had a warm smile and an open hand. They complemented each other, but didn't seem all that different to me. She was a pillar of strength and stood by her husband and his principles. He could also display compassion and a heart as great as his will to win.

The University of Arkansas distributed this statement on behalf of the former coach:

“Our family has lost our beloved Rosario. She was always by my side and was the greatest coach I could ever be blessed with. She was always loving, supportive and loyal. She devoted herself completely to each of our tasks. Without them, none of what I have achieved would have been possible. I could trust her with everything. She will truly be missed by me, as well as millions of others, simply because she was a giver. Whenever you are a giver, it comes back to you and makes you stronger. That's what Rosario did for me. I lost my best friend. I will miss her very much.”

Two images of Rose are burned into my memory. The first is that she sits in the stands at Barnhill Arena, a few rows behind the UA bench, usually after a win but sometimes after a loss in early seasons.

The first time I talked to her was an easy and fun experience. I had finished the interviews with Nolan, the opposing coach and the opposing players and written my story. I saw Rose sitting alone, waiting for Nolan to finish all his chores. I walked over, she greeted me with this friendly smile and welcomed me to sit with her. I was touched by her gentle nature and her ability to make me feel comfortable.

As special people do, Rose asked about me with genuine interest and kindness. It's a trait that most people don't display. I knew her before, but I immediately understood why Nolan beamed when he talked about Rose. She was one of those special people.

I wish I had sat with her more. She had qualities that everyone wants in a best friend. I felt like we could have been good friends, just as I felt about Nolan for many years. Rose probably made everyone feel that way.

The other picture of Rose that sticks in my mind is something that many people have already seen. It follows Nolan and the entire Razorback team after their dramatic 76-72 victory over Duke and winning the 1994 National Championship in Charlotte, North Carolina. Fittingly, she stands next to Coach Richardson, a spot she has always metaphorically occupied.

Nolan did justice that night and will always be remembered as a champion. But he had already earned respect from those who saw him work, on the training pitch, on game night and away from the spotlight, where he could be a caring and compassionate man.

Rose was Nolan's rock, allowing him to get through his first two seasons at Arkansas, which produced records of 12-16 and 19-14. In the first year, some called for his dismissal. By his second year, it was clear he could build a team and knew how to lead it to success.

But Rose and Nolan had more to worry about than just basketball. Her beloved daughter Yvonne was suffering from leukemia. For the first 18 months, when Yvonne was in the hospital, they practically lived in Tulsa. She died on January 22, 1987, but her memory and name lived on as Nolan and Rose founded the Yvonne Richardson Community Center in Fayetteville.

Rose and Nolan leaned on their love for each other through these difficult times and for another 37 years. Those who knew Rose know how much Nolan will miss her. But as he mourns, he will also remember what made Rose special. He will always carry that in his heart.

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