Carol Jean Buchanan Richards was born October 12, 1933, to Harry and Phyllis (Mitchell) Buchanan in Neosho, Missouri.  Carol was a graduate of Neosho High School, class of 1951, and a lifelong area resident.  She and Lee Richards were united in marriage on January 19, 1952, in Bentonville, Arkansas.  They shared 70 years of marriage, until Lee's passing on November 22, 2022.

Carol was a farmer's wife. She helped her husband on the farm, grew a huge vegetable garden, canned what she grew, was a wonderful cook famous for her pies, pecan, lemon, and chocolate meringue, and her apple butter deserves an honorable mention.  She kept her yard immaculate, growing flowers, most notably, her favorite, hollyhocks, which she did not want picked.  She was an avid seamstress, making Pam's dresses and Jeff's shirts when they were growing up.  She quilted with her mother and aunt, making several beautiful quilts together.    She was a long-time member of Granby Miracle Church in Granby, Missouri.

Carol is survived by her daughter Pamela Gibson and husband, Greg, of Neosho, son, Jeff Richards of Neosho, granddaughter Brandi Bogle and husband, Ryan, of Neosho, grandsons Jesse Richards of Neosho, and Dylan Richards, and wife, Hailli, of Republic, Missouri, and 4 great-grandchildren: Conner, Braxton, Dakota, and Saige.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son, Greg Lee Richards, and sister, Sherry Johnson.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Gibson Cemetery c/o Clark Funeral Home PO Box 66 Neosho, Missouri 64850.

On Friday, November 21, 2025, from 5:30-6:30pm Visitation will be held at Clark Funeral Home Chapel of Memories in Neosho, Missouri.  A Graveside Service, where Carol will be laid to rest, will take place at Gibson Cemetery on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 10:00am.

Services are under the personal care and direction of Clark Funeral Homes.