Paralee Alice Walsh Richards

Para Lee Walsh Richards of Lenoir was called by her Creator into the loving arms of His Son, her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on February 26, 2012 at the Caldwell County Hospice and Palliative Care in Hudson.

She was born in Caldwell County on September 8th, 1921, to the late Margaret (Kendall) and Thomas A. Walsh.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Frank C. Richards of Lenoir, to whom she was an adoring and loving wife for 64 years. Cherishing her memory forever are her children, Thomas E. Melton of Waldorf, MD and Margaret Lee (William) Ballerini of Lenoir; her adoring grandchildren, Richard Lee Ballerini of Hickory, Thomas W. Melton (Susan) of Prince Frederick, MD, Denise Michele Ballerini of Lenoir, and Jeffery A. Melton (Heather) of Waldorf, MD, nine loving great grandchildren, Lindsay, Frankie, Tyler, Nicole, Hayley, Gabrielle, Jonathan, Megan and Alyssa. She is also survived by several sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Other than her parents, she was preceded in death by eight brothers: Woodrow, Sid, Joe Bill, Marvin, Jack (Roy), Lonnie and R.L.; and two sisters, Cornelia Bauguss, and Violet Godfrey.

Para Lee was a hard working wife and mother. She was employed at Haigler’s Restaurant, Spun Fiber Mills, and Safeway Stores in Washington, DC and MD, and Walker’s Grocery in Lenoir. She loved to garden, can, crochet and spend time with her grandchildren and family. She and Frank enjoyed many camping trips to Brown Mountain Beach and Cross Country Campground. She loved to have family and friends visit and her door was always open. She had a “come on in and have a cup of coffee and a piece of cake and have a long chat” attitude. One of the highlights of the annual Walsh Reunion was to go to Para Lee and Frank’s house afterwards for another round of food and conversation with family and friends. Her stories of past times were always a joy to hear again no matter how many times you heard them.

She was truly loved by every heart and soul that she touched and will be deeply missed but her memory will never be forgotten.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Caldwell County Hospice and Palliative Care of Hudson. We were truly blessed to have such loving and caring members looking after Para Lee and in lieu of flowers, the family would request that donations be made to Hospice.

Pallbearers are Rick, Frankie and Tyler Ballerini, Tommy and Jeffery Melton, John Ackerman, Tim Sigmon and George (Champ) Walsh. Honorary pallbearers are all the other male members of the family.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, March 1, 2012 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Pendry’s Funeral Home and Crematory.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, March 2, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Pendry’s Funeral Home and Crematory conducted by Reverend Robert Setzer. Friends and relatives are encouraged to briefly say a few words honoring Para Lee. Burial will follow the service at Blue Ridge Memorial Park.

Pendry’s Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to be serving the family of Para Lee Walsh Richards.

Online condolences may be placed at www.pendrysfuneralhome.com