Photo courtesy of A.O. Smith Funeral Home - Thomas Street Chapel
Feb 3, 1950 - Mar 7, 2026
Covering you all in prayer; so sorry for the loss of ‘Aunt Mary Ann’ (what I always knew her by). Much love. ❤
Amy Williams
March 20, 2026 | Ethel, AR | Family
So sorry for your loss.
Rebecca Kelley McLeod Sandra Richards niece
March 17, 2026 | Waldo, AR | Family
I went to school and graduated with Mary Ann. She was always a friendly sweetheart! I know she will be missed!
Larry Berry
March 17, 2026 | Texarkana, AR | Classmate
I am so very proud to have been given the chance to know you and work with you at FRED’s. There were many laughs during that time, and I wouldn't trade them.
I think of you and smile. Much love to you and your family.
Renee Carmichael
March 13, 2026 | Bradley, AR | Coworker
I moved here from Arkadelphia to go to work for Georgia Pacific years ago. My sister was teaching in Garland, AR. She was the manager at the store then! Always friendly, kind and busy! You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.❤
Marilyn (Bradshaw) Cearley
March 13, 2026 | Buckner, AR | Friend
We are gonna miss you so much, but we know you’re watching over us. Thank you for being an amazing strong woman to this family aunt Mary Anna.
Haley Mills
March 13, 2026 | Stamps, AR | Family
She was a sweet lady and kind to everyone. I missed seeing her. Praying for this family.❤
Marilyn Cearley
March 13, 2026 | Buckner, AR | Friend
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
L Richards
March 13, 2026 | VA
Remembered By
Susie Goodner
March 12, 2026 | Springhill, LA | Family
With heavy hearts and deep gratitude for a life beautifully lived, we announce the passing of Mary Ann Richards, a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, who left this world on March 7, 2026 the age of 76 at The Circle of Life, Marie and John Carr Hospice Home in Bentonville, AR.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents Henry and Effie Castleman, a sister- Judy Cash, two brothers Bo and Milton Castleman, two daughters -Tammie Delong and Robin Castleman, two grandsons - Benjamin Richards and Tyler Castleman and one great grandson- Ben Richards.
Born on February 3, 1950 in Gurdon AR, Mary dedicated her life to what she cherished most — her family. As the proud and loving mother of eight children, she built a home filled with warmth, laughter, faith, and unconditional love. Her arms were always open, and her heart had room for everyone.
Raising eight children required strength, patience, resilience, and an extraordinary capacity for love — qualities she carried with grace every day. She was the steady foundation of her family, the peacemaker, the encourager, and the one who made every day brighter. Her children were her greatest accomplishment and her proudest joy.
Beyond motherhood, Mary was known for her kindness, generosity, unwavering faith and her 26 years presence in Fred’s Dollar Store- we won’t speak of the smacks on the head for no-no words. She found happiness in simple moments — family dinners, cheering at school events, and quiet mornings with coffee and prayer. Her wisdom guided generations, and her laughter could brighten even the darkest day.
She is lovingly survived by six children: Jeff Castleman (Kimberly) of Sun Prairie, WI; Danny Castleman (Tina) of Bella Vista, AR; Micheal Richards of Lewisville, AR; Robert Richards (Michelle) of Lewisville, AR; Andrea Schobey (Terry) of Gravette, AR; Clint Richards (Dawn) of Pea Ridge, AR; son in law Bob Delong of Lewisville, AR; two sisters Glenda Nichols and Melinda Hicks of Sarepta, LA; brother Roy Burdine of McKinney, TX; a special sister Helen Stricklen along with her cherished grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, and countless friends the whose lives she touched deeply.
Though our hearts ache in her absence, we find comfort knowing her love continues to bind us together. Her legacy lives on in the values she instilled, the memories she created, and the family she so beautifully nurtured.
A service to celebrate her life is being held on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at AO Smith Funeral Home, Stamps, Arkansas. with Robby DeLong officiating, assisted by Tina Castleman. In honor of her memory, gather with loved ones and share a meal, a cup of coffee or a glass of tea— just as she always did.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Marie and John Carr Hospice Home, 1201 NE Legacy Pkwy, Bentonville, AR 72712.
She was our home, our heart, and our greatest blessing. She will be deeply missed and forever loved.
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