Clara Goldie Richards

1965-2025

BIG RAPIDS, Mich. – Clara Goldie Richards, 59, passed away peacefully with her loved ones by her side, on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at the Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan following a brief illness.

Clara was born November 27, 1965 in Melbourne, Florida, a daughter of the late George and Dora C. (Parks) Richards.

Clara was blessed to be a stay-at-home mom most of her life. Some would say it is the hardest job of all, but she made it look easy. She was proud to be a hard worker, having worked at various manufacturing facilities throughout her life. Often, she worked long hours when she needed to, to provide and care for her family’s needs. She took great joy in raising her children, as well as anyone’s who needed her as if they were her own. Clara loved to make everything an adventure. She was a mother, a teacher, a mentor and a friend to many. Clara was a caregiver to everyone and would give help to anyone in need. She loved, forgave, and would help those who needed her. Clara was a woman of many talents, gardening, canning, building, and teaching. She was fun-spirited, sassy, a great listener and a giver. Her presence was enjoyed by all who knew her. She enjoyed watching TV, from wholesome family shows like Little House on the Prairie and the Andy Griffith Show, to more dark and fascinating series, like Criminal Minds, The Twilight Zone, and Alfred Hitchcock Presents. She loved it even more when she was able to watch with family. She enjoyed movie nights with her daughters, and although she’d often fall asleep, they would never really mind.

A devout Christian, Clara lived her life for God. She radiated faith and love everywhere she went. Clara enjoyed reading her Bible and was a faithful servant of the Lord. Even in her final days she used social media to spread the word of God’s love, mercy and grace so others could be saved by His blood.

Clara was preceded in death by her parents and by her husband, Richard A. Richards, Sr. who passed away on September 26, 2015.

She is survived and will be dearly missed by her children, Richard A. “Rick” (Samantha) Richards, Jr., Mark A. (Janet) Richards, Jason W. (Becky) Richards, Ronald L. (Samantha) Richards, Noel A. Richards, and Megan M. Richards; siblings, George (Shelly) Richards, Henry (Krissy) Richards, and Dora Richards; her Aunt Darlene Parks; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews and numerous friends.

Funeral services will be held at 12 p.m. (Noon), Saturday, September 6, 2025 at the Eells-Leggett-Stauffer Funeral Home with Pastor Matthew Phillips from the Lisbon Baptist Temple officiating. Burial will follow at the West Beaver U. P. Church Cemetery.

The family will receive family and friends from 10 a.m. until the time of services Saturday at the funeral home.

Friends may also view Clara’s memorial tribute page, share memories, and leave condolences at www.eells-leggett-stauffer.com

9/2/25