Janet Kay Richards

Janet Kay Richards, 84 of Beardstown, died Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at Beardstown Health and Rehab.

She was born December 17, 1941 in Murrayville, the daughter of Fred and Melva Gene Settles Smith. In the summer of 1956, Alfred Richards first laid eyes on Janet while she was roller skating on Wall Street, and on December 20, 1958 they married.

She is survived by her husband Alfred of Beardstown; her daughter Lisa Swan (companion Bob Axley) of Beardstown; two sons Tony Richards of Bluffs and Tim Richards (wife Mary) of Beardstown; six grandchildren Tommy "TR" Richards (comp Tasha), Patsy (husband Phillip) Springer, Brandi Richards, TC (Darian) Richards, John "JT" Swan, and Jacob (wife Rosemary) Swan; ten great grandchildren Ashten, Jaden, Conner, Aubrey, Quinn, Aria, Brynna, Jacob, Lucas, and Carson; her brother Steve Smith (wife Kathy) of Canton; three sisters Shirley Smith of Beardstown, Judy Allen of Meredosia, and Barbara Collins of Virginia; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her son Tom Richards, two brothers Jim and David Smith, a sister Dorothy Richards, and a son-in-law Jake Swan.

Janet worked as a waitress at the Arrow Restaurant in Beardstown for many years and, following her retirement, lovingly cared for others through DD Homes. She found joy in tending to her flowers, taking scenic car rides, and sharing meals out with family and friends. Janet and Alfred especially cherished their trips to Branson, where they made many treasured memories together, and throughout their years never lost their love of dancing with one another.

Funeral services will be held at 11 AM Friday, May 8, 2026 at Colwell Memorial Home in Beardstown. Burial will be in Beardstown City Cemetery. The family will meet with friends one hour prior to the services at the memorial home on Friday.

Memorials have been suggested to Cass/Schuyler Area Hospice. Condolences may be left online at www.colwellmemorialhome.com or on Facebook at Colwell Memorial Home.