Obituary of Elaine D. Richards

Elaine Richards, of Windham, passed away peacefully on July 20 with her daughter and son in law by her side. 

The only child of George and B. Martha (Reihm) Otto, Elaine was born on June 2,1937 at the end of the Great Depression weighing in at just over 2 pounds in Brooklyn NY. 

After losing her mother during her early teenage years, Elaine went to work at Dixie Dew Riding Academy where she met the love of her life and soulmate Russell.They married on November 21,1957 and moved to Windham in 1963 when their oldest child started school. 

Elaine was known for her passion of: the National Parks, the many sights that the USA has to offer, Toby Keith, horses, rodeos, Route 66 travels, cowboy romance novels, word search puzzles, Native American history, Harley Davidson Motorcycles, Red Solo cup drinks and a great “Dave” margarita. 

Elaine leaves behind her daughter Maryann(Bill) Beare (Catskill NY), son Russell (Cecilia) Richards (Seattle WA), Son-in-Law Bill Neumeister (Cairo NY) Grandchildren: Aine,Declan,Russell & Eilish Richards, Step grandson Jeffrey Beare, Sister-in-Laws: Mary Courtney & Helen Boyle, step great-grandson Gavin Beare,“like family” friends Maria & Dave Ukeyi, their daughter Claudia Kissel, Michelle Bell, many dear nieces & nephews and her beloved grand fur babies Lucky, Kitten & Atticus Finch.

Elaine was predeceased by her husband (of nearly 6 decades) Russell, daughter Barbara Neumeister, step grandson Steven Beare, Sister-in-law Margaret Fehringer, Brother-in-laws: Bill Fehringer, Hugh Courtney & Joe Boyle, beloved cats Peanut & Dixie and her faithful dog Rusty.

Family and friends are invited to gather at Deckers Funeral Home in Windham, on July 27 from 10am to 12pm to reminisce and celebrate Elaine’s life. Immediately following the viewing Elaine will be laid to rest at Pleasant Valley Cemetery next to her beloved husband Russell and daughter Barbara.

In lieu of flowers, please consider volunteering at or making a monetary donation to an animal rescue, the St. Labre Indian School (Ashland MT) or a charity of your choice. 

Then raise a red solo cup up and give a toast to Elaine for a life well lived.