Richard B. Ott was born in Ritzville, Washington 17 March 1897. After graduating Ritzville High School in 1915 he attended the University of Idaho where he studied law. During his time at the university, he was a charter member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, at the time known as Alpha Kappa Epsilon, and a member of the Phi Alpha Delta honorary law fraternity. Graduating in 1919, he went on to practice law in Oakley, Idaho for a year before returning to Washington. In 1923, Ott was elected the Adams County prosecuting attorney, serving in that post until he was elected the mayor of Ritzville in 1931. After serving one term as mayor, Ott began work as the city attorney for 6 years. In 1950 and 1952 he was elected as Superior Court judge, and served as such until he was appointed to the Washington State Supreme Court in 1955. During his 12 years on the Supreme Court, he served 2 years as Chief Justice. Ott retired in April 1967.

Beyond his work as a judge, Ott also served as a state representative of the 8th Legislative District in Washington. He served in the 1933 and 1935 regular sessions and as speaker pro tem in 1935. Throughout his life Ott was a member and served many fraternal organizations, including the Lions Club, Independent Order of the Odd Fellows, the Masons, the Order of the Eastern Star, the American Legion, and more. He died 30 April 1987.