Bonita Richards
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Bonita (Bonnie) Richards, 80, was born in Shelbyville, Texas, on June 10, 1941, to Emmett L. and Doris M. (Grubbs) Richards. She passed away peacefully at her daughter Jean's home with family on Wednesday, November 3, 2021. Preceding Bonnie in death were her parents, Emmett and Doris; her brothers, Gordan Richards and James Richards; nephews, Garland Richards, Kenneth Richards, Tommy Richards, Shelby Richards; and a great niece, Rhianna Richards.
Surviving Bonnie are daughters, Elizabeth (Jean) Townsend Van Ooteghem and son-in-law Richard of Mishawaka, Indiana, Cynthia (Cindy) Kay Townsend Wicher of Big Lake, Alaska, and Doris (Dede) Denise Townsend Velasco and son-in-law Jimmy of Hillsboro, Oregon; eight grandchildren, Tia, Charles, Melissa, Colin, Emily, Korina, Jiame, and Zachary; nine great-grandchildren, Jadawn, Devin, Drew Chris, Mason, Kyle, Dylan, Maverick, and Lucy; and four great-great grandchildren, Auden, Rowan, Lillyanne, and Theodora; brothers, Charles Richards and sister-in-law Barbara, John Richards and sister-in law Christine; sister, Betty and brother-in-law James Hodge; nieces, Debbie, Lisa and Anna; nephews, Mike, Shane, Brandon, Jason, Nathan, Josh and Charles Allen.
Bonnie had a sense of humor delighting others with her funny bone and was often referred to by her family as "Emmett". Bonnie was an avid reader, always learning, and keeping abreast of the changes in the world. Bonnie loved being outside, tending her gardens, flowers, and vegetables, being with her pets and animals of all kinds, and she especially LOVED to fish. Bonnie was wonderful at baking and cooking, often was found reading a cookbook. Bonnie was an excellent seamstress passing down many treasured heirlooms. Bonnie spent her career in different aspects of healthcare ending in phlebotomy, which she was excellent at. Bonnie lived in many places, Germany, Georgia, Louisiana, Alaska, Washington, Oregon, and Indiana. For the past 5 years preceding her death Bonnie lived in Oregon near her daughter Dede enjoying her favorite pastimes and spending precious time with family and friends. Bonnie returned to her daughter Jean's home in Indiana just months prior to her to death where she was surrounded by love. But when Bonnie spoke of "home" her family knew this to be
Shelbyville, Texas. Bonnie will be laid to rest along side her beloved parents Emmett and Doris Richards, just outside of Shelbyville, Texas, at Sardis Cemetery. Bonnie will be forever loved, missed, and in our HEARTS!
Bonnie's Celebration of life will be held on May 7, 2022, 2:00 pm at Lone Star Baptist Church, 2066 Hwy 87 S. Center, Texas with Pastor Nathan Hodge of First United Methodist Church of Nacogdoches, Texas presiding. Burial will be held immediately following at Sardis Cemetery, 2962 FM 414, Center, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Sardis Cemetery, 6034 FM 414, Center Texas.