Judy Ann Richards was received in Heaven on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at her residence in McKinney, Texas, at the age of 83. Judy was born on July 24, 1942, in New Cambria, Kansas, to Glen Christian (Jake) Nelson and Esther Helen (Seim) Nelson. Judy developed a strong work ethic in her youth by growing up and working on her family farm. A Solomon High School graduate, she was a cheerleader, FFA Queen, sale barn café waitress, and bank teller before leaving the Salina area.  She married Thomas Edwin Richards on July 21, 1962, in Salina, Kansas and moved to Newton, Kansas.  During her marriage she spent many hours supporting Tom’s love of sports, watching him develop from high school and college sports, and later as a Division I college referee.  This provided a lifelong enjoyment of watching sports and traveling with her son to multiple sporting events. Judy worked a long career in banking both in Kansas and Texas.  Judy was an active member at Trinity Heights Methodist church in Newton and raised her children in faith.

In 2001, she moved to McKinney, Texas to be closer to her grandchildren and assumed what would be her most fulfilling role in life as MiMi.

Judy had a giving heart, a caring soul and was known to put others’ feelings first in front of her own. She loved her family and was dedicated to raising her two children and grandchildren.   She will be missed deeply by her family.

Judy is survived by son, Kenton Richards (Karen) of Baldwin City, Kansas; daughter, Jennifer Smith of McKinney, Texas; grandchildren: Amanda Mason (Jimmy), of Coweta, Oklahoma, Hannah Smith of McKinney, Texas, Wyatt Parmley (Hanna) of Belton, Missouri, and Betsy Taylor (Kaavn) of Guthrie, Oklahoma; great granddaughter, Ava Capps of McKinney, Texas; sister, Nancy Fischer of Salina, Kansas; and many nieces, nephews, and co-Grandma Sharon White.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Glen and Esther Nelson; husband Thomas (Tommy) Richards; infant son, Kirk Allen; infant daughter, Cari Ann; and grandson, Joshua Smith.

Family will be receiving relatives and friends for a celebration of life at Judy’s home in McKinney, Texas, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2026.

Graveside service will be held at Roselawn Cemetery in Salina, Kansas, at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, March 20, 2026.

A memorial will be established at Solomon High School, in care of Heier Scott Mortuary and Cremations, 1920 East Crawford Street, Salina, Kansas 67401.