Kay E. Richards, 76, of Fairfield, passed away at 4:40pm on Monday, September 14, 2026, at her home.

Kay was born on June 22, 1950, in Fairfield, to Earl “Tom” and Ruby (Desch) Marshel. She married the love of her life, Elmer Richards, on September 1, 1968.

Kay had worked at the Fairfield Garment Factory, Fairfield Memorial Hospital and Way-Fair Nursing Home in the dietary department and, most recently, at Hella in Flora.

Survivors include her daughters Shannon (Bruce) Venters of Mt. Vernon, IL, and Elizabeth Lee of Fairfield, grandchildren Hailey Moore, Ariel Moore, and Kayda Lee, her great granddaughter Makenzie Moore. Also several step grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren survive. She was also survived by her brother Johnny Marshel of Sims, and her sisters Sue Chepely of Fairfield and Becky Henry of Sims, along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Elmer Richards, and her brother Woody Garrison.

Funeral services will be held at 3pm on Monday, September 21st, at the Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home in Fairfield with burial to follow in Pin Oak Cemetery north of Sims. Visitation will be from 1pm until the time of service at the funeral home. Memorial donations can be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and will be accepted at the Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.