Wendie June Richards

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Wendie June Richards (Longley), who departed this life on July 9, 2025, at the age of 85 in Muskegon, MI. Wendie was a beloved mother, a devoted wife, friend, & the ever-present life of the party.

Born on August 13, 1939, in Akron, OH, (graduating from Copley High School), Wendie was half of the "Fun Couple", having been preceded in death by the love of her life, Philip Oliver Richards, Jr. Her 59 yearlong marriage to Philip set the course of supporting him through his sales career, while at the same time advancing her career as a medical technologist beginning at Akron Children's Hospital. She loved her work, especially the patients, & took pride in managing all facets of the laboratory at Kalamazoo Rheumatology where she worked into her 70's. Always supporting one another's career choices by prioritizing what was best for their family, Wendie & Phil moved from Ohio to Illinois, Texas, & finally Michigan where they nurtured a family grounded in love, support, & an endless supply of laughs!

Wendie was deeply devoted to her family, who brought her immense pride & joy. Wendie put her family first beginning with delaying her career aspirations after graduating from Kent State University to live at home to help care for her newborn sister along with her much older brother & sister. Wendie devoted her time to raising her 4 children, attending all school-related events which then became a passion for the Fun Couple by doing the same for their grandchildren, nieces, nephews, & grandnephews/nieces. She is survived by her loving children, Christine Peavler (Richard), Flip Richards (Lisa), Jeff Richards (Jennifer), & Tim Richards (Brandie); Grandchildren, Kim Marcotte (Josh), Matthew Peavler, Andrew Peavler, Kellin Quinn (Katelyn), Kailey Keene (Nash), Hudson Richards, Devereux Richards, Harper Richards, Tessa Richards, and Maren Richards; Sisters Deborah Longley (David) & Stephanie Appleton (Garry), with 34 nieces/nephews, along with all the Richards' dogs, including her beloved Zoe. She was preceded in death by her brother, Harold "Butch" Longley, and & after her death Wendie's dear nephew, Casey Appleton, came to join her.

Wendie's family extended well beyond those that shared a home & name, as Wendie continually opened her arms to friends, neighbors, a family walking along the beach, a stranger at a nearby table at a restaurant, the gate agent at the airport...the list goes on and on. Carrying the spirit of her father, Harold Longley, Wendie was never shy to start up a conversation or make a new friend, especially with those with whom she lived at Harbor Terrace. Whenever asked if someone could join a family event, the immediate response of "the more, the merrier" would ring out.

While family was always first for Wendie, her love of the beach & her Arrowridge Community along the shores of Lake Michigan provided the setting for an amazing life. When Phil attempted to purchase his next boat, the Wendie III, she insisted a home on the beach was the better option. This purchase 50 years ago would establish a base for prioritizing family with numerous celebrations, birthday parties, Fourth of July fireworks, family reunions, and of course, countless amazing sunsets "Everybody, get out here and look at the sun! Do you kids realize how many people don't get to see this?!"

What made Wendie so endearing to those around her was her love of life, interest in the lives of others and her relentless desire for fairness for all she knew. She brought smiles to all she encountered with her justice-based 'spicyness' & approachable connection which made others feel special & loved. She held nothing back, & would always make others feel valued & loved even in a one-time meeting. Her way of showing her love was through embracing every holiday, birthday & milestone exuding pure joy in each celebration. "I just love your Mom" was a common refrain from the many people she's met; patients, neighbors, caregivers, fellow snowbirds, & the steady stream of visitors, phone calls, cards, texts & e-mails she had in her final months. Thank you for loving our Mom; she has certainly loved you!

To honor Wendie's boundless love & generous spirit, please donate to a charity of your choice.