Jen'O Lee Richards

Jen’O Lee Richards, of Sikeston, Missouri was born September 3, 1937, at Matthews, Missouri, in New Madrid County, to the late Lawrence Everett Silverthorn and Leola Roach Silverthorn. She departed this life peacefully, Thursday, March 19, 2026, at the Sikeston Convalescent Center, at the age of 88.

Jen’O was devoted member of the Matthews Christian Church for many years and later attended First Christian Church of Sikeston. She faithfully served her church in many roles, including deacon, secretary, board member and other leadership positions. Her faith and dedication to her church were a guiding force throughout her life.

She was also actively involved in her family’s farming and trucking operations. Alongside her husband and sons, she helped establish Reliable Freight Systems, Inc., where she worked until her retirement in 1998.

On December 19, 1954, she married R.L. Richards, who survives of the home.

Jen’O had a deep love for her family and found joy in the simple and meaningful moments of life. She cherished traveling with her husband, R.L., creating lasting memories together over the years. She loved cooking family meals, bringing everyone together around the table, and caring for her garden. She was especially known for her beautiful rose bushes, which she tended with pride and care.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children, David (Angela) Richards of Sikeston, Missouri and Michael (Sarah) Richards of Bloomfield, Missouri.

Her legacy continues through her grandchildren, Derek (Natasha) Richards of Sikeston; Danielle (Carlos) Andrade of Sikeston; Emily (Joe) Duncan of Tucson, AZ and Callie Richards of Sikeston. She is also survived by her great grandchildren, Devin Whitley, Anna Whitley, William Richards and Dain Richards all of Sikeston.

Jen’O is also survived by her sister, Linda Gosche of Wichita, Kansas; her sister-in- law, Ruby Silverthorn of Sikeston, as well as several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Joe Silverthorn, her sister, Brenda Kerr and her great granddaughter, Audrey Richards.

Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the funeral hour at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the McMikle Funeral Home in Sikeston. Rev. Justin Pobst, pastor of Discover Life Church in Sikeston, will officiate.

Interment will follow in the Garden of Memories Cemetery at Sikeston under the direction of McMikle Funeral Home in Sikeston.

Pallbearers will be Derek Richards, Devin Whitley, Carlos Andrade, Mark Silverthorn, Gary Silverthorn and Doug Scott.

The family kindly requests memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, via the Jeno Richards Tribute page at https://events.alz.org/s/7385/7130.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com.