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Betty Elaine Richards, age 81, of Constantine, passed away Saturday, October 22, 2022, at her home. She was born in Cadillac on August 4, 1941, a daughter of Tony and Pauline (Lipar) Lagoy.
Betty graduated from Albion High School in 1959, and Hurley Hospital School of Nursing in Flint. On December 9, 1961, she married Thomas H. Richards in Albion. He preceded her in death on May 11, 2022. Betty worked as a Registered Nurse in the OB department at Sturgis Hospital from 1980 to 2004, and prior to that she worked at Oaklawn Hospital in Marshall. Betty was in attendance for 1,039 births while working at Sturgis Hospital and lovingly known by her colleagues as “OB Betty.” Betty was awarded the Faye Kirshner Nursing Excellence Award in 2001, and the Southwest Michigan Perinatal Association Award in 1999. She was an avid gardener, joining the Meek’s Mill Garden Club in Constantine where she became an integral part of the organization. She served as Program Chair and then President. In 2021, she was given Life Membership in Michigan Garden Clubs for her outstanding service to the club and community. In 2016, she initiated monthly flower therapy at Three Rivers rehab. She volunteered for many of the club’s activities, wherever needed, especially activities with youth: youth garden therapy, Kindergarten Roundup, Farmers’ Market youth activities, Make-It Take-It holiday centerpieces, and annually participated with the club in decorating barn fronts at the St. Joseph County Fair. Over the years, she also volunteered in a variety of other capacities, including her daughter’s classroom at the Kellogg School in Battle Creek, her daughters’ 4-H equestrian activities, the First Aid Station at the St. Joseph County Grange Fair, Northridge High School Choral Events, and Goalball Tournaments for blind athletes held at Western Michigan University.
Surviving Betty are her sister Lucy (Dennis) Anderson, Homer; daughters Tammera (Charles) Albrecht, Germany, Rebecca (Oscar) Hamilton, Gilbert, AZ, Amy (Rob) Zook, Goshen, IN; her cherished grandchildren Heidi Albrecht, Bianca (Austin) Hamilton-Miller, Chelsea Albrecht, Rochelle Hamilton, Hanna Zook, Abigail Zook, Natasha Hamilton; and many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and brother Karl Lagoy.
A memorial service will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, and per Betty’s wishes, donations are appreciated for The Richards Family Nursing Scholarship at Glen Oaks Community College, 62249 Shimmel Rd., Centreville, MI 49032. Please sign Betty’s guest book and leave a message for the family at www.eleyfuneralhomes.com.
