Ella Lou Richards

1943 - 2024

Ella Lou Richards was born on the 11th day of September, in the year of 1943, in Hazlehurst, Mississippi. She was the first born and daughter of William Rollins Sr. and Bessie Belle Hardy Byrd. Ella Lou was the matriarch of the family and affectionately known as "Lou" and "Loula" Belle by her siblings.

Ella Lou started her Christian Journey at a young age, where she was baptized in Lake Michigan as a member of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church and continued her membership at Mt. Zion MBC and later becoming Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor James Lane.

Ella Lou graduated from Isaac Elston Sr. High School in 1962, and later pursued a nursing degree at Purdue North Central. Ella Lou achieved her pin of nursing in 1973. Ella began her career of nursing at Doctor's Hospital, which is known as St. Anthony Hospital and later retiring as a head nurse of the Emergency Room at Memorial Hospital. Ella served as a nurse for 50 years. After Ella retired from nursing, she entered the insurance field and began working for General Insurance and ranked No. 10 as the top insurance broker, earning several of trips and two of them were Palm Beach, Florida, and Palm Springs, California, to name a few.

Ella Lou had a heart of compassion and a welcoming nature that made her a friend to many and an asset to the community. Ella loved to play solitaire and watch old movies. Her special saying is "Did you bring me a Coke? and "I don't know about that."

On May 2, 2024, Ella Lou departed this earthly realm and found healing and peace by being called home to be with the Lord. Ella has joined her awaited family in heaven, grandparents; parents, William Rollin Sr. and Betty Hardy Byrd; daughter, Carla; and sister, Belle Ford.

Ella Lou leaves to cherish her loving memories to four children, Michael Richard of Michigan City, Indiana, Ronald-Rabbit (Bridget) Richard of Los Angeles, California, Debra McCormick of Macon, Georgia, and Rodney Richard of Michigan City, Indiana; 12 grandchildren, Chauntay Rouse, Kelly (LaMont) Hodges, Tasha Fowler, Rodney Fowler, Sierra (Damon) Anthony, Brandy Richard, Kierstin Richard, Kieanna Richard, Kierra, Breamon Richard, Heavlynne Richard and Ronald Ashton. Ella Lou had 16 great-grandchildren; one sister, Murtie (Winroe) Reed of Michigan City, Indiana; one brother, William Rollins Jr. of Seattle, Washington; two special nieces, Jacquelyn Reed-Nelson and Michelle Ford; two special sons, Keith Burks and Kevin Burks; two best friends, Hazel Washington-McNeal and Mabelle Elliotte; and a magnitude of nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends and Church family.

Ella Lou's children provided care for their mother. Ella Lou's sister Murtie provided daily, consistent care while showering her sister with love until she departed this earth and loved Ella dearly. Also, Ella's niece Jacquelyn Reed showered her with love, and care, and enjoyed taking her Aunt Ella for rides.

Ella Lou worked hard to serve others through her career. She was a single mother, that worked hard and was determined to ensure all her children's needs were met, educated, and supported them in their extra-curricular activities. Ella Lou loved her siblings, nieces, nephews and grandchildren, more than you can imagine. Ella's smile and presence will be missed by all who knew her.

A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, May 10, 2024, at her home Church, Zion Hill Baptist Church, 123 Helen St. Michigan City, Indiana, 46360, with Pastor James E. Lane Jr. to do Eulogy. Viewing will be 10 a.m. until time of service at the Church. Interment to follow at Swan Lake Memorial Gardens.

To sign guestbook please visit www.colemanhicks.com.