Kaye McDonald Richard

Kaye McDonald Richard, 75, of Laurens, South Carolina, passed away on December 9, 2025. Born on June 4, 1950, Kaye lived a life guided by faith, conviction, and deep love for her family. She was known for her strength, determination, and independence, qualities that shaped both her character and the way she lived.



A proud graduate of Furman University, Kaye built a successful career as a pharmaceutical chemist, a profession that spoke to her formidable intellect, discipline, and sound judgment. She carried that same clarity into every part of her life, believing in doing things properly and seeing responsibilities through. Steady and no-nonsense, she faced challenges head-on, relying on her own insight and determination, qualities that earned her deep respect from those around her.



At the heart of Kaye's life was her family. She was a devoted wife and a deeply loving mother, immensely proud of her daughters, Leslie and Ashley, and her son, Matt. She spoke of her children with pride and love, taking joy in who they were and the lives they built. Their happiness mattered deeply to her, and she remained closely involved in their lives, offering steady presence, care, and support. She believed her greatest gifts to this world were her children and showed that belief through unwavering love, thoughtful guidance, and a constant willingness to show up for them in every season of life. She also shared a close bond with her daughter-in-law, Becca, whom she lovingly considered her third daughter.



Ashley, her firstborn and the one who made her a grandmother, held a special place in Kaye's heart. Upon being lovingly promoted to grandmother, she chose the name "Nana," and to Ashley's sons, it became a name wrapped in love. Matt, forever her baby boy, was the father of all her granddaughters, and to them, as well as to Matt's friends and his wife's family, she was "Dottie," a name that began in humor and quickly became lasting and endearing. In each role, she was fully present, and the bonds she formed with her grandchildren were deep, steady, and deeply cherished.



Leslie's dog, Jakob Erik McDonald, also held a special place in Kaye's heart. Known affectionately as her "granddog," he was included in family life just as the other grandchildren were. Kaye loved him not only for who he was, but for the joy he brought into Leslie's life, a reflection of her deep care for her children and their happiness.



Kaye was an extraordinary grandmother, finding her greatest joy in the lives of her grandchildren and embracing her role with wholehearted love and devotion. She cherished not only their milestones, but the small, ordinary moments that they shared. She showed up, again and again, to their events, always present and always attentive, making sure they knew they were seen, supported, and deeply loved.



She enjoyed shared laughter and the familiar family sarcasm exchanged among those closest to her. One of her favorite exchanges was a playful refrain, "I love you more," answered quickly with, "No, I love you more," a simple phrase that captured the warmth and sincerity of her affection.



Kaye found meaning in the simple rhythms of daily life. She loved to read, to sew, and to browse thrift stores in search of small treasures. She also valued routine and togetherness. For years, she and her husband, Ron, played Sudoku together every day, often after every meal, a tradition that reflected her love of problem solving. She also enjoyed watching "chick flicks," especially with her daughter Leslie.



After the loss of the father of her children, Kaye opened her home with even greater intention. She believed holidays were meant to be shared, and anyone she knew without a place to go was welcomed without hesitation. Over time, her table became a place of warmth and connection, where shared meals, easy laughter, and a sense of belonging made each holiday richer for all who gathered there.



Her faith was a steady and guiding presence throughout her life. A faithful member of First Presbyterian Church of Laurens, Kaye served through the women's group and as an usher. Earlier in her life, she also served as a Sunday School teacher for the two-year-old class at First Baptist Church, a role that reflected her patience, care, and love for children. She lived her faith through action and service, offering steadiness and genuine care to her church family and community.



She is survived by her husband, Ronald Richard; her children, Ashley McDonald Chitwood (Ryan), Leslie Ryan McDonald, and Marion Shaw McDonald Jr. (Becca); her grandsons, Joseph and John Robert McCollum; her granddaughters, Tess, Olivia, and Carson McDonald; and her cherished granddog, Jakob Erik McDonald. She is also survived by her sister, Katherine Tice, and her brother, Mac Boyte (Barbara).



She was preceded in death by her former husband and the father of her children, Marion Shaw McDonald Sr., as well as her parents, Mac and Jean Boyte.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to a charity close to your heart, as a way to honor Kaye's life and the love she shared.



A service to honor Kaye's life will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Laurens, 400 West Main Street, Laurens, South Carolina, on December 18th, 2025, at 11:30am. A private entombment will take place at Graceland East Memorial Park.