JUDITH L. RICHARDS
Judith L. Richards, age 79, of Plymouth passed away peacefully Monday afternoon, Feb. 15, 2010, at Libby’s House in Plymouth, where she had been a resident the past year and a half.
She was born Oct. 30, 1930, in Houghton County, Michigan, a daughter of the late George and Leona (Reinke) Hand. She graduated from Plymouth High School in 1948.
On April 15, 1950, she married Chester Richards in Plymouth. The couple lived in Plymouth all their married life.
She had been employed at Millers Guest House, the Hotel Mitchell, the Cleveland Container Corp. and in 1967 she and her husband purchased the A&W Drive In, in Plymouth. Over the years their drive-in became an icon in Plymouth. Following her husband’s death in 2000, the family renamed it “Chester’s Drive In” in 2002 in honor of Chet, and it has continued to attract generations of people who love their food.
Judy had been a member of Salem United Church of Christ in Plymouth, and had taught in the church Sunday school.
She was also an avid golfer and was a member of the Crystal Lake Golf League for many years. She had also been a member of the Coffee Clutch bowling league at Casey Jones Lanes as well as playing in several bridge clubs.
Judy’s main focus was her loving family, following her children and grandchildren’s exploits through the years. Judy was also a fine cook and baker, sharing her food with not only her family but also her many friends, who loved her fun-loving spirit. She and Chester spent many winters in Florida, where she also made numerous friends who also enjoyed her friendly and caring ways.
Survivors include her five children, Scott (Deborah), Susan (Bob) Nolte, Sara (Kevin) Ryan, John (fiancée, Cathy Vanderkin) and Tom (Theresa), all of Plymouth; 15 grandchildren, Mike Richards, Pat (Marie) Richards, Nick (Lauren) Richards, Jackie (Greg) Petermann, Paul (Marcy) Nolte, Nick (Becky) Nolte, Ryan (Ashley) Nolte, Caitlyn, Mary and Shannon Ryan, Adam, Hannah and Ryan Richards, Jake and Matt Richards; eight great-grandchildren, Sam and Sophie Nolte, Cooper Petermann, Jack and Wyatt Richards, Mallory Richards, Danica and Grace Nolte; one sister, Corinne Doherty of Plymouth; and one brother-in-law, Bud Eagon of Amherst Junction, Wis.
She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Jack, Bud and Bill Hand.
Following cremation, a memorial service will be held at noon Saturday, Feb. 20, at the Salem United Church of Christ in Plymouth. The Rev. James Hoppert, pastor of the church, will officiate.
Friends may call at Salem UCC from 9 a.m. Saturday until the hour of service. A memorial fund will be established in Judy’s name. The Wittkopp-Schneider Funeral Home in Plymouth is serving the family. Online condolences may be sent to www.wittkoppschneider.com.
