Leona Blanche Richards was born on November 18, 1922 in Wisner, Louisiana. She graduated from Buchtel High School in Akron Ohio and then took training at a business school after graduation and became a stenographer for two lawyers in downtown Akron, Ohio. Leona then took another job as a stenographer for doctors at Akron General Hospital in the X-Ray department during WWII. Shortly after that Leona took piece work at home for two lawyers. Just before the end of the war Leona began dating her future husband Charles who she had also attended high school with.  Leona also did clerical work for an International artist by the name of Don Drumm in Akron, Ohio. Leona and Mr. Drumm were neighbors. On July 22, 1951 in Akron, Ohio Leona was baptized as a Jehovah's Witness. Leona married Charles T. Richards on November 1st, 1946 and remained married until her passing just short of their 72nd wedding anniversary. Both Leona and Charles were well known for their activity as Witnesses in  Ohio, Florida, and North Carolina while living in those states. Leona remained an active witness until her death at 95 years and 11 months old.To those who knew and loved her, Leona affectionately known as Lea was a beautiful soul.  She saw happiness in the small things in life and taught others to view their lives that way too. Like her favorite animal the hummingbird, she was constantly active.  She didn't sit still for long and constantly made sure everyone around her was content and happy. A truly selfless soul, she radiated beauty and took time to find the beauty in others no matter how small. She will truly be missed but her life lessons will last forever.

Leona is survived by her Husband Charles T. Richards, her daughter Nancy L. Richards, her son Mark S. Richards, Daughter-in-Law Denise Richards, and grandchild, Chelsea Richards all of Vero Beach, Fl, her sister Pat Bumgarner of Phoenix, AZ and several nieces and nephews that will miss her dearly.

A Memorial service will be held at 2 pm on November 3, 2018 at The Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses located at 2126 8th St Vero Beach, FL 32962.

You may call area code (213) 233-3913 on November 3rd, between 1:40 pm EST but please no later than 1:55 pm EST and enter the access code 174865 to listen to the memorial discourse.