A Mass of Christian Burial for Judith Ann “Judy” Richards, 83, of Newark, will be held at the Church of the Blessed Sacrament at 10:30 A.M. Thursday, September 24, 2026, with interment to follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.

Judy, a lifelong parishioner of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, passed away Friday, September 18, 2026, surrounded by her family and friends. She was born in Newark, Ohio, on February 28, 1943, to the late Paul J. and Zelina P. (Trubiano) O’Neill.

A graduate of Blessed Sacrament Elementary School and Newark Catholic High School, Class of 1961, Judy retired from Holophane after 30 years in the accounting department.

Judy was a kind, caring, and selfless person who loved her family above all else. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, there was little she would not do for the people she loved. Her family was always at the center of her life and her greatest source of joy.

Her faith was equally important to her. Judy cherished attending Sunday Mass at Blessed Sacrament, where she always sat in the same section of the church where her mother had sat for many years—a simple tradition that reflected both her deep faith and her enduring connection to family.

Some of Judy’s happiest memories were made during summers at Forest Hill Lake and Campground, where she loved bringing the family together to swim, relax, and simply enjoy one another’s company. Friends were always welcome, and there was always plenty of food for whoever happened to be there. That generosity and hospitality were hallmarks of Judy throughout her life. Whether she was preparing countless family meals, attending school and athletic events, celebrating holidays, or simply making sure those around her felt cared for and included, Judy had a way of making everyone feel welcome.

Judy especially loved Christmas and the joy of having family and friends gathered together. More than anything, she treasured the people in her life and the time spent with them. Her kind heart, generous spirit, unwavering faith, and devotion to her family will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

She will be dearly missed by her husband of 62 years, Renny Richards; children, Kimberly (Mike) Crumrine, Ken (Katie) Richards, and Kevin (Melissa) Richards; nine grandchildren, Jessica (Adam) Bair, Kelsey (Michael) Vetrano, Madison (Drake) Nance, Sarah Richards, Max Richards, Nicholas Joseph Richards, Marissa Anabella Richards, Noah Anthony Richards, and Mia Gabriella Richards; four great-grandchildren, Lena and Audrey Bair, Atlas Nance, and Reina Vetrano; sister-in-law, Christine O’Neill; brothers-in-law, Tom Wheeler and James (Sharon) Richards; longtime friend, Lucinda Ellis; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Judy was preceded in death by her brothers, Paul A. and Thomas L. O’Neill; and her sister, Margaret “Patty” Wheeler.

Friends and family may call at Reed-Egan Funeral Home, 141 Green Wave Drive, from 4–7 P.M. Wednesday, September 23, 2026, with a Vigil Service at 6:30 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Church of the Blessed Sacrament.

To share your memory of Judy or leave a condolence for the family, please visit: https://www.reedegan.com/obituaries/judith-richards