Karen Richards

Karen Richards, age 86, of Garnett, Kansas, formerly of Wichita, passed away on Monday, February 9, 2026, at Parkview Heights in Garnett.

She was born on April 26, 1939, in Halstead, Kansas. Moundridge, Kansas became her hometown, where she was raised by her mother, Mary Wedel. She attended Moundridge schools through high school, graduating in 1957. She was active in high school music activities and a member of the debate squad. Debate was her specialty, helping to win three state championships and other debate contests.

She attended Emporia State Teachers College, graduating in 1961 with degrees in Secondary Education and Language Arts. Following graduation, she was hired to teach these subjects at Robinson Jr. High School in Wichita, Kansas.

In 1963, she married Gary Lee Richards, also an Emporia State grad and teacher in Wichita. He preceded her in death in 2006, having retired from teaching and a career with IBM.

She is survived by their two sons, Michael and wife Stacey and their sons, Porter, Lane, and twins Isaac and Mitchell of Garnett, Kansas.; and Timothy and wife Julie and their daughters, Sydney and Taylor of Chicago, Illinois.

Karen was a member of East Heights United Methodist Church, active in music activities and Women Mission Society.

She was most proud of her roles in the Wichita Jr. Golf Foundation as Leader, Treasurer for 30 years and a member of the Board of Trustees. She also played golf with Gary and boys and her women golfing friends. Her pastimes included needlework and reading and playing bridge. She was a member of FM Chapter of PEO, several Book Clubs and Bridge Clubs.

Karen spent several years in the Regent Retirement Living Facility, making new friends, sharing her music and her stitching with a group of special friends. She lived her final years in Garnett, Kansas, to be closer to family.

Memorial services will be held at East Heights United Methodist Church in Wichita at a later date, as determined by the family. Service information will be shared when available.

Memorial contributions may be made to Emporia State University Foundation-English Department or Institute of Logopedics of Wichita and left in care of Feuerborn Family Funeral Service. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.