Betty Ann Richardson
With deep sadness, we announce the passing of our mother, Betty Ann Richardson, age 90, of Alma, MI on March 2, 2025.
Betty was born at Hill Maternity Hospital in Alma on September 19, 1934 to Clifford and Mary (Gorman) Brewer. She grew up in St Louis, MI. Her favorite pastime was walking to the family farm and spending time with her horse Flame. Betty always had a special connection with animals and even had a pet crow as a child. As an adult, animals were her constant companions whether it be horses, dogs or cats.
She graduated from St Louis High School and married Donald Ray Richardson, her high school sweetheart, in 1952. They eloped to Angola, Indiana to be married- a testament of Betty’s strong will and independent nature. Together, they had 3 children- Deborah Roxane, Donette Ann and Steven Kelly.
Betty worked at Michigan Chemical in St. Louis until its closing in 1979. Collecting antiques and searching for hidden gems was a passion. She devoted her life to God and her children. She spent many hours at her desk in prayer, watching the wildlife out the window at her country home and volunteering at her church- Alma Mount Hope. She would cook and bake for hours for mission potlucks. Her most precious time was spent in prayer with the Lord.
Betty was proceeded in death by her parents Clifford and Mary Brewer, her brothers William Brewer, Gorman Brewer and her sister Mary Virjean Johnson.
She is survived by her 3 children- Roxi Richardson (former spouse Ken Strohmeyer), Donette Brooks (Darryl) and Steve Richardson (Christine), 7 grandchildren- Nathan Strohmeyer (Jenn/ former spouse Bri), Nicholas Strohmeyer (Heather), Karlie DeMarse (Matthew), Daniel Brooks, Owen Brooks, Ava Richardson and Emily Richardson and 4 great grandchildren- Avery Strohmeyer, Mia Strohmeyer, Isabella Strohmeyer and Sophia DeMarse (expected April 30, 2025).
Betty’s greatest legacy is the strong faith she inspired in her children. A private burial service will be held at a later date. Donations can be made in Betty’s name to Dalis to the Rescue in Alma, MI or Assembly of God Missionaries at http://s1.ag.org/moebius.
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I’m so sorry for your loss Donette!
Roxi, Donette & Steven, So sorry for your loss! Your mom holds a special place in my heart. Hold tightly to the many years of memories. Prayers & hugs to each of you!❤️ Kathy K❤️
I am so sorry about your mom!! She was a special lady. Her smile was beautiful and she loved people!!
I know she is
Happy in Heaven.
I am deeply saddened to hear about Betty’s passing. She is in heaven looking down at us. We will miss her, her love and kindness, and her sense of humor. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family.
I moved to Alma in December 1978 to work at Alma College, and Betty’s mom Mary Brewer, not only sold me the house on Wright Avenue, but also, on my request, put me in touch with Betty, with whom I developed a very warm and long friendship. Being new in town, I appreciated the opportunity to get together with Betty over the phone or in her home, and chat about anything imaginable over the seemingly endless cups of coffee she provided at her kitchen table. It was her warmth, her understanding of life, her supportive nature that kept me going as I faced various challenges in a new town, with my new job, my kids, household responsibilities, and long distance relationships. I admired Betty’s resilience, her staying power in difficult times, her non-judgmental, analytical nature, hard work, the pride she took in her kids, and I was grateful for her compassion and empathy. Betty and I stayed in touch long after I left Alma, during times I was in the US and also when I worked overseas, whether by phone or by snail-mail. I visited her in Alma at some point, though I don’t recall exactly when. And she always ended conversations with “I love you a bunch,” to which I’d respond “And I love you a bunch.” So today, I still say to her “I love you a bunch” and I’m grateful for her presence in my life for so many years. I will always remember the immeasurable precious gifts she gave me: her time and her warmth.
Sorry for your loss , she was such a a inspiration to my husband John and I . She loved the Lord .she was a loving person and a prayer warrior for sure.