Ethyl Richards

ADRIAN – Ethyl L. Richards, age 88, of Adrian, passed away Monday, October 5, 2009 at her home under the loving care of her family and Hospice of Lenawee. Ethyl was born February 13, 1921 in Adrian, the daughter of Lawrence and Lucy (Wilkinson) Gallaway. She was invited to attend the Henry Ford High School in Macon where she graduated from in 1940. While attending high school, she went daily to Dearborn for organ lessons. Upon her graduation, Henry Ford hired Ethyl as an organist for the Martha Mary Chapel in Macon. On August 2, 1941, Ethyl married Roger W. Richards at the Martha Mary Chapel. Roger and Ethyl celebrated 44 years of marriage prior to his death in 1986. For 50 years Ethyl was the organist for the Holloway Presbyterian Church, retiring in 1997. A faithful member of the church, Ethyl served as an Elder, Benevolence Treasurer, and assisted with Worship Committee and countless dinners and meetings. She also worked as a receptionist for Dr. George Wynn and Dr. Michael Worzniak, where she retired in 1983. Ethyl is survived by two daughters, Linda (Leland) Green of Palm Coast, FL and Judy Disbrow of Adrian; son-in-law, Jim (Geraldine) Harris of Adrian; eight grandchildren: Kimberly (Daryl) Thurman, Karla (Herbert) Jordan, Larry (Stephanie) Harris, Jodi (Christian) Ray, Kari (Brian) Rock, Trudy (Kurt) Weddington, Cindy (Henry) Pieplow, and Sidney Disbrow; 11 great grandchildren, Krista, Brian, Patrick Jameson, Brittany, Kendra, Jonathon, Madelynn, Emily, Annabelle, Charlie, and Olivia; brother, Richard (Gloria) Gallaway of Adrian; and sisters, Ruth (Ray) Pitts of Coldwater and Elizabeth (Milo) Bishop of Leesburg, FL. In addition to her husband, Ethyl was preceded in death by a daughter, Karen Harris; grandson, Rodney Disbrow; and sisters, Phyllis Payne, Roberta Harmes, and Janet Nelson. The funeral service for Ethyl will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 9, 2009 at Wagley Funeral Home with Rev. Robert Bidwell officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. Friends may visit the family at the funeral home on Thursday from 2 to 8 p.m. You may also send condolences to the family at www.wagleyfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Ethyl may be made to Hospice of Lenawee. Envelopes are available at Wagley Funeral Home.

Ethyl Richards

February 13, 1921 - October 5, 2009