Alta Mae Richardson

Alta Mae Richardson, 91, passed away on July 29, 2026. She was born on May 31, 1935, to Edgar and Opal Smith. She grew up alongside her sister, Juanita Gellar, and her two brothers, Wayne Smith and Chester Smith.

On September 16, 1959, Alta married Wayne Richardson, and together they built a life centered on faith, family, and hard work. They were blessed with two children, Paul Gene Richardson who Proceeds his sister in death, and Mary Lynn McLaughlin, who remained the pride and joy of her life.

Alta devoted much of her professional life to Jan Lynn Studios, where she worked as a photographer and photo retouching artist. She had a natural eye for detail and found great satisfaction in preserving special moments for others. Through her work, she helped countless families capture memories that would be treasured for generations.

Family was at the heart of everything Alta did. She was blessed with eleven grandchildren through birth and marriage, including six step-grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. She cherished time spent with her family, celebrating life's milestones, sharing stories, and creating memories that will continue to be treasured by those she loved.

Alta will be remembered for her gentle spirit, quiet strength, and caring heart. She lived a life marked by kindness, dedication, and a willingness to serve others. Whether through her work, her friendships, or the love she gave to her family, she left a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to know her.

While her passing leaves a place in the hearts of her family and friends that can never be filled, they find comfort in the many memories she leaves behind and in the lasting impact of a life well lived.

A graveside service celebrating Alta's life will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at IOOF Cemetery in Newtonia, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Belfast Baptist Church for the Samaritan's Purse Christmas Shoebox Program in memory of Alta. Her family hopes this ministry, which was close to her heart, will continue to bless children around the world in her honor.

Alta will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her family, friends, and all whose lives were touched by her kindness.