Tasha Richardson, 21

Natasha “Tasha” Rose Richardson, age 21, formerly of Battle Creek. A beautiful light in this world was extinguished on July 20, 2012, due to a tragic automobile accident.

Tasha was a bubbly, energetic, fun-loving, loyal and beautiful inside and out young woman. She lived life to the fullest and was loved by so many.

She was home on leave from the military before deploying to Japan for three years when the accident occurred.

She had recently finished a tour of duty in Qatar and was stationed at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas. Tasha had made the rank of sergeant while she was still 20 years old and had earned many other military honors. She had a promising future before her.

While in high school at Pennfield she excelled in sports and played softball, basketball and volleyball. She was nicknamed “Mop” by her fellow teammates on her basketball team because of her tenacious spirit which drove her to dive after the ball no matter where it was —the floor, bleachers or anywhere. She had a “never quit” attitude that extended to all areas of her life.

She is dearly loved by her family and friends and a huge void has been left in our lives.

She was born Natasha Rose Richardson on Dec. 31, 1990, in Newport News, Va. She is survived by her parents, Theresa (Pete) Krontz and Jason Richardson; stepmother, Heather Casarez; older sister, Catie Richardson; younger sister, Makenzie Richardson; brother, Jason D. Richardson II; step sisters, Lainey Krontz and Kimberly Casarez; step brothers, Sean Krontz and Tylor Craft; grandparents, David and Gladys Nice and David and Madolyn Richardson.

Tasha would not have wanted dark, somber colors at her funeral, so the family is asking those who attend to wear bright, colorful clothes to honor her memory. She would want it very casual with shorts and flip-flops, too.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions in Tasha’s name be made to the Calhoun County Animal Shelter or an animal rescue. Visitation will be held from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. today at Richard A. Henry Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Friday, July 27, 2012, at First Wesleyan Church, with Pastor Glenn Russell officiating. Interment with full military honors will be held at Fort Custer National Cemetery.