Fay Evelyn Richards

Fay Evelyn Brown Richards, aged 74, of Pleasant Hope, MO passed away after a brief illness on July 15, 2025, in Bolivar, Missouri. She was born to the late Aileene Blair Brown Smith on April 18, 1951, in Springfield, Missouri. Fay's life was marked by an unwavering dedication to her family, her faith, and the simple pleasures that brought joy to those around her.

A proud graduate of Hillcrest High School, Fay was known to be a kind and friendly soul from her early days, a nature that only deepened as she journeyed through life. Following her graduation, Fay's life took a turn towards love and dedication to her family when she married Warren Richards Sr. on July 24, 1976.

While Fay took great pride in her work as a homemaker, she also served her community with a warm smile as a cashier. Her gentle presence and genuine interest in the lives of others made her a beloved figure to all those she encountered, whether it was through daily interaction or her commitment to her Christian faith.

Fay's interests painted a picture of a woman who cherished the simple, heartfelt pleasures of life. Her cherished interests, such as cross-stitching, were not only hobbies but were ways in which she shared pieces of herself with others. Each stich was a testament to her meticulous care and patience. Fay's adoration for the character Dopey from the Seven Dwarfs, her fondness for fishing excursions with her beloved Warren, and the joy she found in spending time with her family further reflected her endearing personality.

She was blessed with a large and loving family, including her late mother Aileene Blair Brown Smith, her late father Cecil Smith Sr.; her siblings Berneice Prier (married to the late Jerry Prier), Bonnie Williams (married to the late David Williams Sr.), and Cecil Smith Jr. along with his wife Lydia Smith; a sister-in-law, Debbie Smith-who preceded her in death. Fay was predeceased by her son Warren Richards Jr., brother-in-law Garold Richards, mother-in-law Flossie Richards, father-in-law Henry Richards and was a guiding light and cherished presence in the lives of her remaining family: husband Warren Richards Sr., daughter Angela Vauble (supported by her husband Ivan Vauble), and daughter Heather Snow (and her husband Joshua Snow).

Fay was an extraordinary grandmother to her grandchildren Warren Richards III, Kevin Vauble, Austin Vauble, Dakota Vauble, Andrea Snow, Autumn Snow, and Andrew Snow. She was also a great-grandmother to Gabriel Richards, Miles Richards, Easton Vauble and Haven Vauble. Her genuine love extended to her many nieces, nephews, and their families-who all experienced the warmth of her endearing soul.

Those who knew Fay will remember her as the embodiment of love and kindness. She was gifted with the ability to make friends easily and maintain those friendships with an open heart and readiness to support others in times of need. Her legacy is one that will be held dearly in the memories of her family and all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

As we bid farewell to Fay Evelyn Brown Richards, we celebrate a life lived with overflowing love and kindness-a loving matriarch, a caring friend, a gentle soul who will forever be missed, yet whose spirit will continue to inspire us all. The Christian values she held dear will serve as a comfort to her family and friends, guiding them as they navigate the world without her physical presence but surrounded by the love she left behind.

There will be a Family Directed celebration of life held August 2, 2025, at 10:30 am. Pleasant View Baptist Church 13345 State Hwy PP, Republic, MO 65738.