Mary Eloise Moore Richards

"Mary Eloise Moore Richards, native of Leesville, La. and resident of Baton Rouge passed away on Monday, January 16, 2017 at the age of 80. Eloise was an honor graduate of Leesville high school and attended the Mather School of Nursing affiliated with Tulane University. She was a loving and devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Eloise had a deep love and appreciation for traveling which served her well as the wife of a career military officer, her true love for over sixty years. She traveled the world with her family living in many parts of the United States and Europe residing in 37 different locations. She was both mother and father to her children while her husband served one tour of Korea and three tours in Vietnam as an army aviation officer. She served as a leader and inspiration to junior officer's wives introducing them to the finer points of customs and traditions of military life all while expanding her children's knowledge and love of learning. Eloise was a hand's on mom, never missing a school function or fieldtrip. Eloise loved an impromptu weekend get away with her family never missing an opportunity to explore the world around them. Upon military retirement in 1975, the Richards family made their home in Baton Rouge. After reentering civilian life, Eloise worked for Olivetti Corporation, Morgan Building Systems and worked as head book keeper for the Baton Rouge Chamber of Commerce until she left the workforce. Eloise was a long standing member of University Baptist Church and enjoyed her church family for over 40 years. She enjoyed many volunteer activities in the church as well as in the local elementary school. Eloise and Jim split their time over the past 20 years wintering in Baton Rouge and spending their summer months in the Blowing Rock and Boone area of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Their volunteerism continued to their North Carolina home by actively working with operation Christmas child sponsored by Samaritans Purse. She and Jim also found time to travel extensively in the U.S. and abroad during this time. It is impossible to describe the impact Eloise made in so many lives. She was a master story teller, gourmet cook, musician and artist. Eloise had a wonderful sense of humor and quick wit. She never met a stranger and made everyone around her feel welcome and at ease. She was a loyal and devoted friend to many. As the oldest child of her family, Eloise was an inspiration and source of love and support to her brother, sisters, nieces, and nephews. She loved deeply and was deeply loved. Eloise is survived by her husband, James E. Richards LTC Ret; daughters, Rev. Karen Richards Gay and husband John of Plaquemine, La., Allison Richards Gerron and husband Dennis of Dallas, Tx., and Suzy Richards Massey and husband Jamie of Charlotte North Carolina; granddaughters, Lauren Gay Landry and husband, Nick, Dr. Sarah Gay Frischhertz and husband, Patrick, Jane Reily Gay Fields and husband Doug, Katherine Fenner Gay, James Allen Massey, Jr., Mary Claire Massey, and Rachael Mariah Gerron; brother, Melvin Moore and wife Neda of Conroe, TX., sisters, Judith Ugland of Lake Charles and Carol Joyce Bray and husband Dr. Nathan Bray of Lake Charles; great grandchildren, Raigan Landry, Elliott Frischhertz, and Carolyn ""Carrie"" Fields; and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, Mark Twain Moore and Hazel Irene Smart Moore; and son, James Elliott ""Jimmy"" Richards, Jr. The family would like to extend their appreciation to Notre Dame Hospice and a special thank you to her nurse, Garnette Brignac, RN. A visitation will be held at University Baptist Church, 5775 Highland Rd. Baton Rouge, La. 70808, on Thursday, January 19, 2017 beginning at 12pm until funeral service at 2pm. A family graveside service will follow at Greenoaks Memorial Park. Pallbearers: John Gay, Dennis Gerron, Jamie Massey, Jamie Massey, Jr,, Doug Fields, Patrick Frischhertz, and Nick Landry.