Judith Ann Richards was born June 19, 1941 in Des Moines, Iowa the daughter of Charles Beryl Kane and Gladys Louise (Rouwenhorst) Kane.

Judy was raised in the Pinchey neighborhood of Pleasantville, Iowa. Following her graduation from Pleasantville High School, Judy took a job with Principal Financial as an underwriter. On April 6, 1974 Judy was united in marriage to Jerry Wayne Richards at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. She retired in the late 1990’s, but continued to help manage Jerry’s plumbing, heating and excavation business.

She was active in the Pleasantville Christian Church, Red Hat Ladies and had a regular coffee group. Judy also loved to bake and cook and try new recipes. Judy was very creative and made beautiful ceramics and quilts. She also enjoyed collecting Fiestaware and Jewel Tea.

Judy passed away Thursday, May 14, 2026 at the West Ridge Nursing & Rehab Center, in Knoxville, Iowa, at the age of 84 years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Louise and Beryl Kane; her husband, Jerry Richards; and her sister and brother-in-law, Linda and Ron Rodgers.

Those left to cherish Judy’s memory include her nephew, Jason and Nicole Rodgers and their son, Nic; niece, Leticia and Jeremy Hansen and their children, Leah and Jace and many other friends and cousins.