From her early years, Jo Ellen’s life was shaped by steady courage and a quiet strength. She enjoyed Brownies and time on the water boating, and she attended S.P. Waltrip High school. Through each season of life—as a wife, mother, and sister—she carried herself with sincerity, patience, and an unwavering sense of what was right.
Jo Ellen built her working life in the dental field, where her diligence and care reflected both a strong work ethic and a compassionate spirit. In all she did, she was known for her honesty, her devotion to those she served and loved, and a resilience that met challenges with grace.
Jo Ellen and her husband, C.O. Richey, were married for 46 years and 8 months. She was the mother of three and the grandmother of four, and her love for family was evident in the everyday ways she gave of herself—steadfast, faithful, and deeply devoted.
Her home life reflected the warmth she brought to others. Jo Ellen found joy in family time, cooking, sewing, tending flower beds, and relaxing with HGTV and Hallmark movies—simple pleasures that, in her hands, became expressions of care and constancy.
Jo Ellen’s faith and service were also evident through her involvement with Woodland Hills Church of Christ, Girl Scouts, where her steady presence and compassionate heart left a meaningful impression.
Jo Ellen is survived by her husband, C.O. Richey; her children, Grant Richey, Andrew Richey (Brittany Richey), and Molly Hartmann (Madeline Hartmann); her grandchildren, Weston Richey, Brinlyn Richey, Coraline, and T.J.; her mother, Mary Jo Hall; her brothers, Tom Hall and Bill Hall; and her sister-in-law, Roxanne Richey.
Pallbearers will be Daryl Henley, Charles McNulty, Ty West, Colby Pawlik, Kenneth Reed, and Luis Serpas.
