Ellen Richardson

Ellen Ruth Richardson was born February 20, 1930 in Schenectady, New York to Stanley and Mary Boyark. She grew up on a farm, the youngest of six siblings. She married Howard "Dick" Richardson in 1949 and raised four children together, Timothy (Annie), Susan (Larry McNitt), David (Judy) and Cyndy (Brad Bruce). She was Grandma to eleven grandchildren and Great Grandma to twelve.

Ellen pursued a career at the American Cancer Society late in life, where she started as a part time bookkeeper to help send her children to a private Christian high school. She eventually took a full time position and rose to a vice-president position within the organization. Ellen shared 72 years of marriage and memories with Dick and missed him greatly after his death in 2021. She was a dedicated servant to the Church and the community. She gave of her time and talents to glorify her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. As a Girl Scout leader, Ellen mentored many young girls and brought them on trips to the Grand Canyon, Disneyland and even Honolulu. She held many supportive roles in church leadership. Even in her 80s, she volunteered as a Stephen's minister at Hope Lutheran Church, for ChurchNet Foundation, and regularly drove others to their medical appointments. She was worried when she had to go in to get her driver's license renewed at 90 years old and tickled when she was able to renew it recently by mail before her 96th birthday!

Ellen was most appreciated for her card ministry, hand making and sending out thousands of cards to others over her lifetime. She found great joy in offering a little note of encouragement and cheer to others. She was a ray of sunshine to all who knew her.

A celebration of life service will be held at Hope Lutheran Church on January 17, 2026 at 2pm with a reception following. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Tri-area Ministry Food Pantry in Wake Forest

Please visit www.brightfunerals.com to share words of comfort to the family.

Bright Funeral Home is serving the Richardson family.