Barbara June (Thumser) Richards

Barbara June Richards, age 88 of White Cloud passed away on Monday, May 11, 2026, surrounded by family at her home.  She was born on September 15, 1937 in White Cloud, Michigan to Edwin C. and Irene G. (Guthrie) Thumser.  On September 19, 1959 she married the love of her life, Ronald J. Richards, and together they shared a beautiful life of love, hard work, and family.  Ron preceded her in death on June 4, 2025. 

Barb graduated from White Cloud High School in 1955. During high school, she worked at Wanda’s Restaurant in White Cloud. After graduating, she worked at White Cloud Furniture Factory.  Barb also worked for her brother at Lamplight Inn in White Cloud as a waitress, and while her children were in school she worked in kitchen service at White Cloud Elementary and High School.  She had been a waitress at the White Cloud Bowling Alley, and finished her working career at Gerber Products Company until her retirement. 

Throughout her life, Barb enjoyed traveling with her family. Gardening and bird watching were passions for her. She was a member of St Joseph’s Catholic Church in White Cloud.  She was a nurturing person, and feeding everyone around her was her love language. She had a gentle sense of humor. She enjoyed simple things such as sitting on the patio with a cup of coffee, watching the birds and enjoying her flowers. She liked rides in the countryside. She was patient, kind, and compassionate, always acknowledging peoples’ celebrations and struggles. She never forgot a birthday. She expressed love through quiet presence rather than grand gestures.  Her greatest passion was time spent caring for and seeing her grandchildren in all of their numerous activities, such as dance, theater, and sports.

Barb is survived by her children, Rhonda Richards (Patrick Gillespie) and Rodney (Rhonda) Richards; grandchildren:  Athena and Avalon Gillespie, Rylee, Rocquel, and Roman Richards; sister-in-law, Audrey Thumser; as well as by many cherished nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Edwin and Irene Thumser; husband, Ronald Richards; brothers:  Conrad Thumser, Paul Thumser and his wives Marilyn and Pat. 

There will be a time of visiting with the family from 5-7 PM on Sunday, May 17, 2026 at Kroeze-Wolffis Funeral Home in Fremont.   A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, May 18, 2026 at Kroeze-Wolffis Funeral Home with Fr. Noah Thelen officiating.  Interment will immediately follow the service at St Joseph Catholic Cemetery in White Cloud, and a luncheon will follow the burial at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church in Newaygo.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Harmony Hospice.  You can sign the online guest book at www.kroeze-wolffis.com.  Arrangements are by Kroeze-Wolffis Funeral Home, Inc. of Fremont.       

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