Alice Ann Richards

Alice Ann Richards, age 87, passed away peacefully at Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints Medical Center, Racine, WI on Thursday, December 3, 2015. She was born Sep 1, 1928 in Clark County, IL, the daughter of the late Clarence and Mabel (Wright) Hawker. On her first day at Eastern Illinois University she met, and on August 14, 1949, married fellow student, Hestin LeRoy Richards. They were married 66 years, had three children and five granddaughters. Alice Ann shared a special bond with her granddaughters as they progressed from childhood through college and became successful young adults. She passed on to them her good taste in style and a sense of responsibility.

After a brief teaching career, Alice Ann worked in the Commanding General Office, at Fort McCoy, WI while her husband served as an Engineer Officer. Later, she was the office manager at a Christian Church Foundation in Champaign IL while her husband finished law school. After a few years in Washington D.C., Alice Ann and her husband came to Racine when he joined S.C. Johnson. In Racine Alice Ann did volunteer work while raising her family. She traveled often with her husband in support of his company and trade work. She enjoyed their motor trips through the U.S. and Europe, and their travels to South America and Japan. A highlight was their Atlantic crossings on the SS France and Queen Mary ocean liners. There were many trips to Central Illinois to visit relatives and help manage her family farm.

Alice Ann kept her tennis racket close at hand. She enjoyed the sport and won several attractive trophies. Together, Alice Ann and her husband enjoyed 23 years of retirement in Racine. Winters were spent in Florida and Texas near family.

Alice Ann was a member of the Evangelical United Methodist Church and an associate member of the Cocoa Beach, Florida, Presbyterian Church. For many years, she was a member of the Racine Country Club.

Alice Ann was preceded in death by her sister Frances, and one son, Scott. She is survived by her husband, son, Gregory (Julie), daughter Jennifer, and five granddaughters; Michelle Richards and Katherine Richards of Wisconsin, Amanda Thomson and Misty Thomson of Texas, and Keela Thomson, California.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, December 6, 2015, 3:00 P.M. at the funeral home with Rev. John Fleming officiating. Friends and relatives may gather for visitation Sunday at the funeral home from 2:00 P.M. until time of service at 3:00 P.M.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the Wheaton Franciscan staff and Hospice Support personnel.