Dardanella June Massey

Dardanella “June” Massey (Richardson) born August 18, 1935, passed away February 2, 2026, from a short illness. June was born in Riverton, Wyoming during our nation’s Great Depression. She was raised like a tumbleweed in the Wyoming wind; she and her brother were often tossed here and there, moving often, living with various relatives and attending various schools. The circumstances of her early childhood were often meager and difficult. These times taught her to be resourceful, independent, tough, compassionate, and resilient. These times also gave her many colorful stories she shared with her family over dinner or card playing—each one she would make a comedy to distract from the harsh reality.

Soon after graduating from high school in 1954, she packed her bags and headed for Northern California to reacquaint herself with her biological mother. While working at a drive-in restaurant in Red Bluff, she met the love of her life Dee. He could not resist June’s outlandish charm and had to marry the carhop that dared to pour hot coffee in the lap of a customer who got “fresh” with her at the drive-in. June always had a way of making an impression.

June and Dee married in 1956 after they had saved enough in the money jar to drive to Reno and get hitched. It was not long after they married that they welcomed their first daughter Linda to the family. Linda was born with severe cerebral palsy and required constant care. June would spend the next decade caring for her daughter until Linda’s passing from pneumonia and just months before their second daughter Rebecca was born in 1966. June took care of the home and was always caring for someone. She not only cared for her children but also for aging relatives and neighbors. It was her calling to care for others. She was caring, generous, selfless, and loving.

In 2004 they decided to move to Fort Wayne, IN. She did not want to be far away from her daughter and new grandson, Chase. When not directly spoiling her grandchild, she loved bowling and joined several leagues. In the summer, Dee loved to golf and she would drive the golf cart and help him find the golf balls. When at home she enjoyed watching bull riding (huge PBR fan), game shows (she delighted in people winning), and going out to eat.

June was a humorous person. Her quick wit and wonderful sense of humor in the face of difficult circumstances will be missed. She could always find the humor in life. She became a person of indomitable spirit and high moral character.

June was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Dee Massey, Fenton Richardson (Father), Waunita Richardson (Stepmother), Laura Hall (Mother), Jim Hall (Stepfather), Linda Massey (Daughter), Jimmie Richardson (Brother), and Esther Richardson (sister-in-law).

June is survived by Rebecca Carter (Daughter), Chris Carter (Son in law), Chase Carter (Grandson), Ian Wells (Foster Son), Katy Wells (Granddaughter), Kelly Nash (Granddaughter) and her best friend of 80 years, Darlene Hackworth.

Her last request for all that had the good fortune to know her was this: Remember only the good times and get on with life, remembering me once in awhile with happy thoughts.

And so, we shall. Rest in peace kind soul.