Phyllis Ann Richards

Phyllis Ann Richards, 82, of St. Cloud, Florida, went to sing with the angels in heaven on Thursday, September 11, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Phyllis was born on February 7, 1943, in Evart, Michigan. She was the second child of eight born to the late Reverend A. E. and Eleanor (McDougall) McFarland. Phyllis attended Lincoln Park High School and graduated with the class of 1961. She married the love of her life, Mert Richards, in 1969, and together they built a beautiful life, moving from Michigan to Florida in 1978. Phyllis dedicated many years of service to the Osceola School System, where she worked faithfully as their bookkeeper until her retirement in 2001. She was a devoted member of the First Church of the Nazarene in Kissimmee, Florida, where her warm smile, sweet laugh, and gentle spirit reflected her deep love for God and others. Phyllis found joy in singing southern gospel music and hymns, and some of her fondest memories were spent harmonizing with her sisters during family gatherings. Known for her kind heart and welcoming nature, Phyllis never met a stranger. She cherished her family deeply and delighted in life’s simple pleasures - especially a bit of chocolate. Above all, she will be remembered for her faith, her love, and the way she shared both so freely with those around her. Phyllis is survived by her children, Greg (Rhonda) Richards, Rhonda (Vince) Smith, Cheri (Eddie) Huff, Randy (Trish) Richards; grandchildren, Collin Headley, Jacob (Erin) Smith, Jordan (Mindy) Smith, Tyler (Gaby) Huff, Jared Smith, Jesse (Genesis) Huff, Nathan (Maddie) Richards, Noel Richards, Amanda Richards, Abigail Richards, and Ethan Richards; great-grandchildren, Caydin, Haley, Maddox, Cambrie, Ramona, Boston, Julieanne, and Harley; siblings, Deloris (Rev. Richard) Barriger, Avis (Jerry) Cesal, Curtis McFarland, Janis (Archie) Wickham, Cletus (Kristi) McFarland; a special niece, Julie (Steve) Tayes; and a host of other family and friends that she loved dearly. Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; and her siblings, Lois Foster and Reverend Dallas McFarland. The family will receive friends on Thursday September 18, 2025 from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM at Cornerstone Family Church St. Cloud. Interment will follow in Osceola Memory Gardens Cemetery in Kissimmee. Arrangements are under the care of Osceola Memory Gardens Cemetery, Funeral Home and Crematory, 1717 Old Boggy Creek Road, Kissimmee, FL 34744. 407.847.2494. online condolences can be made at www.osceolamemgds.com.

Phyllis Ann Richards

February 7, 1943 - September 11, 2025