Born: July 12, 1930 - Deceased: April 28, 2020
Juanita Richie, nee Sumner, 89, of Fairview Heights, Illinois, born Saturday, July 12, 1930, in Graves County, Kentucky, passed away Tuesday, April 28, 2020. A private, family funeral was held on Saturday, May 9, 2020 followed by burial at Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, Illinois.
Juanita married her husband, Harry Richie, on March 27, 1948, after dating less than four months. She was fond of saying that she was “almost 18” when they married and that they enjoyed a rich life together for “almost 70 years.”
She was a gifted homemaker skilled in sewing, cooking, baking pies, and making strawberry jam. Even though she had a large collection of cookbooks , she never stopped clipping recipes from newspapers and magazines. She also had an appreciation for Pampered Chef making sure all of her grandchildren had a complete set of cookware. Each Spring she looked forward to when her bulbs would bloom. Juanita was a member of First Baptist Church, Fairview Heights since 1972, where she served the Lord in the children and youth ministries for many years. She had a natural gift for conversation and could make anyone feel special.
Her greatest pride was always her children and their families whose framed photographs were prominently displayed throughout her home. There was no better sound to her ears than being called “Grandma,” “Grandmother,” or “Grandmomma.” She also loved being called “Mia” by the young children whose parents had entrusted her as their caregiver over the years. Along with Harry, Juanita faithfully attended countless sporting events, programs, and concerts of their own grandchildren and the other children she treated like family.
She was preceded in death by her husband on September 7, 2017 and is survived by her treasured family:
Mike and Jane Ohl Richie of Belleville
Stephanie and David Grove of Swansea
Allison Richie of St. Louis
Nathan Richie of Salt Lake City
Emily Grove of Belleville
Devin Richie of Salt Lake City
Matthew and Jessica Grove of Nashville, Tennessee
Jennifer Kusmer of O’Fallon
5 Comments
So sorry for you loss, Mike. Prayers for all who loved your mom.
The warmest person you could ever meet. Fond memories of her goodness and hospitality.
My condolences to Larry, Mike, Stephanie, and to all their families.
May Peace surround you and comfort you.
Our deepest sympathies. Juanita will be remembered by all she touched.
Larry, Mike, Stephanie and families,
We were sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. You and your mom and dad were such good neighbors for years. Your mom and dad watched over mom after my dad’s passing and that will always be much appreciated. Always remember the good times with a laugh and a smile. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Larry, I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers will go out for you and your family and friends.