Kayla Sue Richardson

Kayla was born on Sept. 2, 1962 to Bob and Karen (King) Olmsted, who preceded her in death.

Known for her smile as bright as her signature tie-dye t-shirts, Kayla was a lifelong resident of Brown County, living alongside many other family members and building several friendships that soon turned into family, too. She was a graduate of Brown County High School and studied at Ivy Tech. She worked at the Abe Martin Lodge before starting her career with Xerox fixing copiers. Once she had kids, she became self-employed and cleaned tourist homes until her passing.

To know Kayla was to love her. She was someone you could call in your time of need. Once, she was tasked with turning a surprisingly small bridal bouquet into a greenery work of art using fake flowers only an hour before the bride walked down the aisle. She took the bouquet and made it beautiful, like she did with everything she touched. She didn’t hesitate to help when asked and would rarely show up empty-handed. If you were hosting a get-together or party, she would be the one you’d ask to help decorate, as her attention to detail was unmatched. She was known to show up with pots of flowers – whether to brighten up a space or simply as a sweet gift. If you were lucky enough to have her also bring her famous cheese potatoes with bacon, your get-together was sure to be a hit.

Kayla was also known for her love of crafts and creating which she would then turn around to gift to those she loved. You are lucky if you received a beautifully designed sign and coffee mug, or her lovely soaps and lotions.

She always made time to brighten the lives of everyone who knew her, generously offering her creativity and support to those she loved. Gathering with her family was her favorite pastime—except maybe escaping for a night at the casino. But her biggest win in life was the unconditional love she gave to her family.

The protective older sister to Todd and Eric, she always stood up for them and made sure they had all that they needed. This protective love extended to her nieces and nephews, who she treated and loved as if they were her own. Todd preceded her in death.

Kayla was someone you always wanted in your corner and you were lucky if she was a member of your team. She was often the biggest cheerleader for those she loved – both on and off the field.

Her favorite athlete to cheer on was her granddaughter, Kyndall. Kayla rarely missed a game, and cheering from the sidelines was one of her greatest joys. To many she was a dear friend, aunt, cousin, niece, and sister. But her most important title of all was Gigi to her grandchildren Kyndall and Tatum. Her sidekick for the last eight years has been her girl Kyndall. Kayla loved to cheer on this little athlete, whether it was on the basketball court or softball field. It was rare for Kayla to tell her grandchildren no, especially if the request was to have a sleepover at Gigi’s – her grandchildren’s happy place. Without a doubt, her greatest joy in life was her grandchildren. She was thrilled to welcome little Tate into this world over a year ago. Tate loved to snuggle up and cuddle his Gigi, no matter where they were. She was his safe place. His smile was big whenever she was around, as Gigi met him on his level, taking the time to show him lots of love and play trucks with him. Though their time together was not nearly long enough, the impact she left on her grandchildren will last a lifetime.

Kayla’s greatest gifts to this world, though, are her children, Kelsey, Evan, and Brayden who she loved unconditionally and always supported without a second thought. Her grace, strength, and unconditional love will live on in them. They will carry her light and love going forward.

Kayla leaves behind her husband of 41 years, Scott. The two were married on July 9, 1983.

Her other survivors include her brother, Eric Olmsted, nieces and nephews, Marra (Tony) Cromer, Cooper Olmsted, and Abel and Betsy Cromer; aunts, Judy Williamson and Carmen Altop; and cousins, Benita Fox, Beth Mulry, Brett, Bart, and Brad Williamson, and Denise Campbell.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Kayla’s honor on May 17 at North Salem Community Church from noon to 3 p.m. A service is scheduled for 3 p.m. Please join us to share stories, laughter, and love as we celebrate the life of a truly remarkable woman who is missed by all those who loved her.