Loretta Jean “Jeanne” Richards, 67, of Grantsville, West Virginia, went peacefully to her heavenly home in the late evening hours of Monday, July 21, 2025, at home, surrounded by her close loved ones, following a courageous battle with cancer.
She was born on October 17, 1957, at home on River Street in Glenville, WV; daughter of the late Victor Veon “Johnny” Metz and Alice “Ruth” Roberts.
Jeanne was a loving mother and homemaker who was devoted to caring for her family and spent many years preparing homemade meals for them with love and instilling meaningful family traditions into their lives. She was a Christian by faith who loved spending time with her friends and family. She loved sunbathing in her lounge chair either at the lake or the pool, cooking out and sitting by the fire and enjoying all kinds of good food, listening to music, playing cards with friends, going to church, shopping, flowers, and riding side-by-sides in the country. Most of all, she loved being a mother and grandmother and LOVED watching her grandchildren play sports and dance. She often commented on how her grandson Owen called her “Metz” (her maiden name) and laughed and said how she loved for him to call her Metz. In her recent time, she enjoyed spending time with her cousin and close companion, Don Walker, who kept her busy while bringing much joy and happiness and blessings into her life. She will always be remembered for her kind heart and generous spirit and for the love she showed others throughout her life.
She is survived by her husband Ernest Clair “Ernie” Richards, her mother, and four children, Lisa (Brad) Tallhamer of Smithville, WV, April (Chris) Carafelli of Lockney, WV, Jonathan Richards of Chloe, WV, and Kevin Garrett of Ohio. She is also survived by her grandchildren Owen & Sophie Tallhamer, Chrissy Smith & Joey Garrett, Jonathan and Kiley Richards, as well as other grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, cousins, and wonderful friends.
Along with her father, she was preceded in death by her sister, Virginia Lea “Jenny” Starcher.
Jeanne’s request for cremation will be honored and a private service/celebration of life will be conducted later in 2025 per her wishes.
In lieu of flowers, to honor her memory and offer support, the family requests that monetary donations may be made to Lisa Tallhamer via the route of choice and ways include:
PayPal at Lisatallhamer@gmail.com or via mail to
Lisa Tallhamer 203 Adena Ridge Road Smithville, WV 26178
