Joyce Richards

On behalf of the family of Joyce Richards, good afternoon and thank you to those that have joined us to today and those that have sent their condolences as we celebrate the life of Joyce. The phone calls, flowers, thoughts, and prayers have been both comforting and during this difficult time and a reminder of the impact that Joyce had on so many people.

Joyce was born to Ralph and Leona Hon on March 27th 1939 in Independence, Mo. She was the younger sister to Ronnie. Joyce later met the love of her life Leonard Richards in which she precedes in death. They were married for over 50 years. Together they had two children; Mike and Leonard, grandson; Houston and great granddaughter; Arlington and niece; Melissa. She was a mother, grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, cousin and dear friend to many.

Joyce spent her early years working in the cafeteria at North Rock Creek School where she developed a passion for baking and cooking. She later worked for the Jones store for several years before retiring. Joyce had many things that consumed her time and grew to be passions and interests over the years. Some of those include: Traveling to antique shows with her husband Leonard. Several times a month you could find them traveling all over the states to visit these antique road shows as some might say. She often mentioned the great times and memories they had together and with their friends during these times.

Crafts of all kinds. Many of her summers were spent with her grandson Houston, doing different crafts of all sorts.

Flowers were another passion of hers. Even in her later years she cared about her flowers and the way they looked. The garden in the back yard had to be planted every year.
Game shows became another interest of hers. Often calling her grandson Houston and reminding him that the new episode was on tonight if he wanted to watch.

Her beloved crossword puzzles and baking. It was a normal thing for Joyce to go through a crossword puzzle book a week. So much so, that these became a regular Christmas gift every year. Rather it was her famous pumpkin pie as some might say or her peanut butter cookies that everyone loved, it seemed like every family gathering had one or the other.

And we can’t forget her sweet tooth. Joyce always seemed to have a “secret” stash of sweets hidden in her room. Rather that be; candy, cookies, chips or small cakes… you could always find her with something.

Spending time with her family and friends is something Joyce enjoyed most. There always seemed to be a special light that shined when she around these special people. Her great granddaughter always brought the best out of her. So much so that she would call almost daily to check up on her to say “Give Arli a kiss for me.” She also grew extremely close to the family dog Kobe. They became best friends over the years, so much so that she was always saying just how pretty he was and you could always find him in her back room with her relaxing and watching TV together.

Joyce is now at peace with the lord and enjoying every day alongside her mother and father, husband Leonard, dog Kobe and all the rest of her family and friends that have been looking forward to this time together with her in heaven.

She leaves behind an amazing legacy. Such an example of a strong women and tremendous generosity. An incredible spirit to fight whatever life threw at her and a tight bond with her family.
She will be remembered for her strength, generosity, love, friendship and the list goes on. A staple in our family and inspiration.

May she rest in peace and sleep well with God.

Graveside services will be held at 1:00pm, Tuesday, May 2, 2023 at Brooking Cemetery, Raytown, MO.