Martha "Kay" (Simmons) Richardson, age 83 of Elwood, passed away on Oct. 31, 2024 surrounded by her family at Ascension / St. Vincent Anderson Hospital after a brief illness.  She was born April 26, 1941 in Windfall, the daughter of Thomas and Vera (Applegate) Simmons.  Kay attended Windfall High School.  She was formerly a member of the Phlox First Baptist Church and currently attended Solid Rock Church in Elwood.  She had a strong faith in the Lord.

Kay last worked in park landscaping for the City of Tipton for 10 years.  Before that, she worked at General Cage Co. in Elwood for 15 years.  She was known for being very active and independent in every way.  She loved cooking for and spending time with all her family.  Kay also enjoyed gardening, planting flowers outside, fishing, camping, and watching her favorite shows on television.  She will be remembered as a devoted mother and grandmother who would do anything for her family.

Kay's family legacy includes 3 children, Robin Whitesell, Brian Richardson, and Anthony "Tony" Richardson all of Elwood; stepmother, Mary Simmons of Elwood; 3 siblings, Janice (Ranny) Simmons of Elwood, Barbara Rhodes of Sharpsville, and June Baker of Elwood; 7 grandchildren, Andrew (Terra) Whitesell, Ashley Richardson, Adam (Chassidy) Richardson, Aaron (Tiffany) Richardson, Trey Richardson, Raven Richardson, and Joshua (Brittany) Napolitano; several great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.  Kay was welcomed into Heaven by her parents; sister, Judy Blackford; 2 grandsons, Chad Whitesell and Shane Richardson; and a great-granddaughter, Carly Mae Whitesell.

A funeral service celebrating Kay's life and legacy will be held at 1pm on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Pastor Brad Collette of Sold Rock Church officiating.  Burial will follow in Brookside Cemetery in Windfall.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 11am to 1pm prior to the funeral at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions are suggested to Solid Rock Church.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at copherfeslermay.com.