Barbara Ann (Bauer) Richards

Barbara Ann Richards, age 74 of Elkhart, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Monday morning, May 31, 2021.  Barbara was born March 16, 1947, in Chicago, Illinois to the late Walter and Gladys (Leedy) Bauer. She was preceded in death by her first husband Vernon Fout in June of 2001 and later met Oran Richards while working at Elkhart General Hospital and they were married at the hospital surrounded by their family and friends on October 11, 2003. Oran preceded her in death on November 24, 2019.

She is survived by her children Laura (Rodney) Telsworth of Centreville, MI, Robert (Ellen) Fout of Elkhart, Indiana, Ronald (Brenda) Fout of Sandersville, GA, and Sharon Hill of Kenton, OH.  Also surviving are 14 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, along with her siblings Beverly (Tom) Sobocinski of Crown Point, IN and Florence Johnson of Chicago, IL, her son-in-law Bryan Thomas of St. Louis, MO and her very special friend Sue Shone of Granger, Indiana.  She was preceded in death by her daughter Pam Nunley and her son Richard Fout.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the 10 am funeral service on Friday, June 4, 2021, at Elkhart County Community Baptist Church, 23805 Sunnyside Ave, Elkhart, IN 46516.  Immediately after Barb’s funeral service, there will be a half hour of time for those who are in attendance to visit with her family once more before leaving for the graveside committal service at 11am. Interment will follow in Olive Cemetery. Cruz Family Funeral Home of Osceola is assisting with the arrangements. 

Barbara was extremely active at Elkhart County Community Baptist Church where she was a longtime member and member of the “homemaker’s club.” Barb also enjoyed helping at Prairie Camp through the Missionary Church for many years.  Most of all, she loved serving the Lord with all her heart.

She was employed in housekeeping at Elkhart General Hospital for many years and in her spare time, she loved to read, go to garage sales, decorate cakes, cross stitch and make crafts, and volunteered to serve her community whenever the need arose.  She also enjoyed travel and took several cruises with her family and friends.  

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Elkhart County Community Baptist Church in Elkhart.  To light a virtual candle, view her online video tribute, or leave a word of condolence for her family, please follow the links provided on the tribute wall tab above. 

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