Midge Richards

Mildred "Midge" Alice Richards passed away peacefully in her sleep on August 11th, 2023 at the age of 87. She was born to Harry Thoburn Laws and Bernice Anabell Price on September 28th,1935 in Findlay, Ohio. Midge grew up “in town” in Findlay, but still had horses and loved barrel racing as she grew up with her 4 siblings. She married the love of her life, Harry Richards, as soon as they graduated from high school, June 7th, 1953. Together, they raised six loving children in Saint Louis, Michigan. Midge poured her heart and soul into her family, her church, and her community. Their home was open to one and all and her every effort went toward healing and loving those who needed her with home-cooked meals and popsicles when needed. After their kids were grown, Midge enrolled at Great Lakes Christian College at the tender age of 55. She earned two Bachelor of Science degrees in her time there, once achieving the status of Salutatorian (second only to her youngest son David, and she was still a little grumpy about that till the end of her days). After graduation, she served as the first Academic Mentor at GLCC, supporting and counseling at-risk college students (and anyone else who happened to enter her life).

She was a loving wife and mother to her six children (and countless other children who needed her). Midge fed the hungry, cared for the sick, welcomed the lost, and loved everyone in her life. She served special needs students in Alma, Michigan, and at-risk college students in Lansing, many of whom would not have completed school without her. She lived a faithful and godly life and was a model for all of us in hospitality, service, and inclusivity. While we will surely miss her presence in this world, we don’t think it was an accident that she left this world on Harry’s birthday. They were always meant to be together.

Midge is survived by her 6 children, 17 grandchildren, and 18 great grandchildren along with their spouses: Allen (Kim) Richards, and their children Jaime Richards; Brandi (Sam) Olson and their children Micah and Nora; Ben (Heather) Richards and their children Ethan, Hensley and Levi; Michael (Megan) Luft and their children Angelynn, Elektra and Gabe Kotch. Pam (Phil) Vance, and their children Heather (Ryan) Bunce and their children Shelby and Riley; Jason (Rhonda) Vance and their children Atticus and Emerson; Erica (Jeremy) Kissling and their daughter Bethann; Alex Vance and fiance’ Kathryn Prawdzik; and Caleb Vance and fiance’ Lindsey Swanson. Mike (Janice) Richards and their children Johan (Amanda) Richards and their children Corban, Creed and Carys; Joy (Vince) Vigil and their children Elias and Alegra. Bev (Desirae) Richards and their children Julia Richards-Ward and fiance’ Jacob Sage; and Zachary Richards. Ann (Jerry) Johnston and their children Kyle Johnston; and Ezra and Kaylee Johnston. And David (Dawn) Richards and their children Emily (Brandon) Parsons; and Aidan Richards. Along with many in-laws, nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, August 16, 2023 at 1:00 PM, with a one-hour prior visitation from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, at Great Lakes Christian College, 6211 W Willow Hwy., Lansing, MI 48917.

Flowers can be sent to Gorsline Runciman Tiffany Chapel, 3232 W Saginaw St., Lansing, MI 48917.

Memorial donations can be made to Great Lakes Christian College, 6211 W Willow Hwy., Lansing, MI 48917 or Rock Lake Christian Assembly, 7389 Vestaburg Rd., Vestaburg, MI 48891.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.tiffanyfuneralhome.com for the Richards family.