Sadly, the family announces the passing of Joan Cleta Richards, 87, of Rainy River, Ont. and formerly of Barwick, Ont., on Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2016 at the Rainy River Health Centre.
Joan was born on July 10, 1929 to John and Anna Clark of Jefferson, Iowa.
She married Russel Richards in 1946. They resided in Iowa and Missouri before moving to Canada in 1985.
She enjoyed quilting, knitting, gardening, and ceramics, as well as cooking. She loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom she was proud of.
Joan is survived by her children, Patricia (Marvin) Snell of Gassville, Ark. and Russel (Carol) Richards of Barwick, Ont.; 12 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.
Joan also is survived by her brother, Phillip (Deb) Kennedy; brother-in-law, Russ Cosens; sisters-in-law, Wilma Clark and Mary Kennedy; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Joan was predeceased by her parents, John and Anna Clark; husband, Russel Sr.( 2000); son, Leslie Richards (1993); and her grandson, Terry Richards (2011).
She also was predeceased by her siblings, Stan, Becky, Judy, Doug, and Denny.
A service of celebration and remembrance was held Saturday, Oct. 22, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at the Northridge Funeral Home in Emo, Ont., with Pastor Shane Belding officiating.
Interment took take place in the Barwick Cemetery.
The pallbearers where Todd Richards, Tony Richards, Timothy Richards, William Richards, Wyatt Richards, and Mark Stine.
The honourary pallbearers were Terry Richards, Dennis Simmerman, David Simmerman, Quincy Snell, Corey Robins, and Wesley Steen.
If desired, in memoriam donations may be made to the charity of your choice c/o Northridge Funeral Home, P.O. Box 89, Emo, Ont., P0W 1E0.
Online condolences may be offered at www.northridgefuneralhome.com