Barbara L.J. Richards

Barbara L.J. Richards, also known as “Señora Richards” went home to Our Heavenly Father, on May 13, 2012, in Mesa, Arizona. Born in Richmond, Indiana, to Harvey and Mary (Longworth) Wyatt, Barbara arrived on June 9, 1943.

Graduating from Purdue University, with a B.A. in Spanish, Barbara made her parents proud, being the first in her family to graduate from a University. Barbara started her first teaching position at a High School in Centerville, IN. Barbara then left the teaching profession to raise her two children. After moving to Arizona, in 1983, Barbara obtained her Arizona Teaching Certificate. Barbara spent the remainder of her teaching career at Coronado H.S. in Scottsdale.

Barbara is survived by her husband of 45 years, Darrell Richards; son, Brenton (Michelle) Richards; daughter, Tara (Owen) Lehr; grandchildren, Morgan, Cooper(Binnie), Cappis, Marydia(Lehr) and Jaxon and Raelyn (Richards); also survived by brothers, Harvey Wyatt Jr., Robert Wyatt and David Wyatt.

A memorial service for Barbara will be held on Friday May 18, 2012 at 10:00 AM at Central Christian Church, 933 North Lindsay Road, Mesa, Arizona 85213 and a reception will follow immediately after services at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Barbara’s name to Sunshine Acres Children’s Home, 3405 North Higley Road, Mesa, Arizona 85215, www.sunshineacres.org.

Arrangements are entrusted to Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park and Funeral Care, 400 South Power Road Mesa, Arizona 85206 (480)830-4422, www.MariposaGardens.com.