Betty Elaine Richards, 91, of Ottumwa, passed away peacefully at 8:10 p.m. October 23, 2023 at Ottumwa Regional Health Center surrounded by the love of her family with many at her bedside.
She was born May 7, 1932 in Ottumwa to Carlton and Rosa Mae Loy Rolison. Betty married Robert Richards on May 28, 1950 and he preceded her in death on October 2, 1991.
Betty and Robert spent their lives in the Ottumwa area where they raised seven children. Betty worked at the Ottumwa Hospital as an aide in the kitchen and later worked with the elderly as a CNA. She was known for her wonderful kindness to everyone and her love for her family and animals.
Surviving are her children, Cindy (Jesse) Hernandez of Grants Pass, OR, Jenniffer Richards of Ottumwa, Rose Ellen (John) Sholes of Ottumwa, Robert (Dellanna) Richards Jr. of Ottumwa, Gary (Glenda) Richards of Burlington and Mike (Patty) Richards of Davenport; 19 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; and a sister Eleanor Ann Rolison of Ottumwa.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Tim Richards; a granddaughter, Julie Ann Richards; grandson, James Corder; and siblings, Marilyn Shearer, Richard Rolison and infant Robert Rolison.
Visitation will be open at 11 a.m. Tuesday, October 31st at Reece Funeral Home with the family present from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday.
Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Wednesday, November 1st at Reece Funeral Home with Pastor Bill Hornback officiating.
Burial will be in Shaul Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Heartland Humane Society.
