Joseph E. Richards

RICHARDS Mr. Joseph E. Richards, age 57, of Byron Center, passed away Tues. December 28th, 2010. Joe courageously fought ALS for 12 years. He accepted what God put in his way and did it with such grace, he was not angry. He knew God had a plan.

Joe would like to thank everyone who gave him so much support. He couldn't have done this without his family and friends. They gave him the strength to continue his life as normal as possible. They gave him love, laughter, and spiritual guidance. He received it all and he'd like to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers, and help over the last 12 years.

Joe was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Daniel Hess, and his brother-in-law, Michael Daniel Hess. He will be deeply missed by his wife of 34 years, Sherry; parents, John and Carol Richards; brother and sister, John (Marilyn) Richards, and Nancy Roettoer; mother-in-law, Geraldine Hess; sisters-in-law, Michelle Blouw, and Dawn Hess; nieces and nephews, Kelli (Jeff), and Jamie, Johnny (Melanie), Heather (Dave), Heidi, Hadi Jo, Kevin, Brian, Shawn; great nieces and great nephews. Joe was also preceded in death by his brother, Dave Richards.

Funeral services will be held Friday, 11 AM, at the Cook Memorial Chapel (east building), 4235 Prairie SW, Grandville. Relatives and friends may meet his family Thursday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the Cook Funeral Home (west building).

His family welcomes memories and messages in their guest book online at www.cookfuneralservcies.com. Contributions in memory of Joe may be made to the ALS Association.

Visitation December 30, 2010 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM Cook Funeral & Cremation Services 4235 Prairie Street, SW Grandville, MI (616) 534-7619

Funeral Service December 31, 2010 11:00 AM Cook Funeral & Cremation Services 4235 Prairie Street, SW Grandville, MI (616) 534-7619

Funeral Home Service Cook Funeral & Cremation Services 4235 Prairie Street, SW Grandville, MI (616) 534-7619