Leola Richards

Leola Ruth Richards, age 65, of Neodesha, Kansas died Friday morning, February 8, 2002 at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas. Mrs. Richards was born September 4, 1936 in Rural Thayer, Kansas, the daughter of Orville and Lena Cranor Holtzman. She attended County School at Lone Elm through the Eight Grade. She attended High School at Thayer, Kansas graduating in 1954. She attended Neosho County Junior College of Chanute graduating in 1956 with a elementary teachers certifciate. She practiced student teaching in Chanute grade school. She was married to Kenneth Richards on August 19, 1956 and they made their home in San Antonio, Texas, during the time that Mr. Richards finished his bachelor of Theology degree at Southern Christian College. They served as ministers at Patton Hieghts Christian Church, 1st Christian Church and as associate pastors at Eastwood Christian Church all of San Antonio, Texas. They then returned to Kansas and began ministering at the Altoona Christian Church at which time Mr. Richards began to work as a carpenter apprentice. Upon leaving Altoona Christian Church they moved to Neodesha and began a support Ministry in the early days of what is now called Christ Church. Mr. Richards then began a Construction business and Leola began a seamstress business and was a daycare provider to many children of Neodesha, Kansas. Leola is survived by her husband Kenny of the home, three daughters, Julie Reynolds of Neodesha, Kansas; Diann Anderson of Topeka, Kansas; Naomi Phillips of Gardner, Kansas; and one son Daniel Richards of Sacremento, California and Seven grandchildren. Leola was preceded in death by her parents, one sister Mary, one brother George. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 13, 2002 at the Thayer Christian Church in Thayer, Kansas with the Pastors Tom Connors, Dave Cheshier and Jim Pelley officiating. Friends may sign the memorial book at the Loran Fawcett Funeral Home, Monday, February 11, 2002 and Tuesday, February 12, 2002 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. both days. The family has suggested memorials to the Hidden Haven Christian Camp and contributions may be left at the Loran Fawcett Funeral Home.