Ruth Nell J Richardson

Nell was born November 23, 1929, in Robert Lee, Texas, to Nellie Mae (Williams) and Raymond E. Jay. Because of her love of singing, Nell, at the young age of 13, began attending the Stamps Baxter Singing School in Dallas. There, she learned to read music and sing using shape notes. A 1947 graduate of Lake View High School in San Angelo, she was head cheerleader and senior favorite. In the first annual Bluebonnet Belle Relays held in 1946, Nell took first place for high point individual. On April 30, 1948, she married her high school sweetheart, Bobby Richardson, and they enjoyed 56 loving years together. Nell continued her education at San Angelo College, Odessa College, UTPB , and received her master’s degree in education at Sul Ross State University. She later taught reading and English in the McCamey and Odessa Public Schools, retiring in 1991.

Nell was a devoted Christian wife and mother. One of her greatest joys was glorifying God through song. She loved spending time with family and friends at Lake Buchanan, where she enjoyed cooking, fishing, and playing cards and dominoes with her kids and grandkids. “Nanny Nell,” as she was affectionately called, enjoyed attending their many concerts, ball games, and other activities.

Preceding Nell in death were her husband, Bob Richardson; her parents; sister, Mabel Blaylock; grandson, Richard William Creel; and son-in-law, Bob Wallette.

Nell’s survivors include daughters, Tommie Jean Wallette, of Anchorage, AK., Donna Carter and husband Mel, of Lubbock, Lonna Creel and husband Bobby, of Lubbock; son, Bobby Jay Richardson and wife Twila, of Kerrville; grandchildren, Mike (Jana) Wallette, Denny (Tammy) Wallette, Nick (Rainbow) Wallette, Melanie Carter (fiancé Pete Wise), Melissa Carter, Ross (Mindy) Creel, Haley (Scott) Graves, Raymond (Laci) Richardson, Bobbi Nell (Alan), Van Reet; great grandchildren, Kylie, Aidan and Avery Wallette, Leah and Ryan Richardson, and Jayme and Ashlee Van Reet.

The family suggests memorials to the Uganda Mission Work supported by Quaker Avenue Church of Christ or Mercy Ministries, P.O. Box 111060, Nashville, TN., 37222.

Nell’s family extends their thanks to Dr. Floyd Pirtle, Kim Graham, and the loving caregivers at Carillon House.