Delores Marie Richards, 86, of Henderson, Illinois, died Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at OSF St. Mary Medical Center, Galesburg.
Delores was born June 10, 1938 in Kewanee, Illinois, the daughter of Wayne and Eleanor M. (Gobeyn) Chamberlain. Delores graduated from Kewanee High School and later married Robert Charles Richards, Jr. on June 8, 1957 in Kewanee, Illinois. They were blessed with 63 years of marriage. Robert preceded her in death on September 13, 2020.
Delores is survived by three daughters, Sue (Dan) Cervantez of Springfield, Illinois, Kami Richards of Afton, Tennessee, and DeAnna (David) Dowers of Galesburg; one sister, Judi White of Boston, Massachusetts, her beloved eight grandchildren, Jeff, Eric, Marcy, KaLynn, Cassie, Robert, Collin, and Jessica; as well as her twelve great grandchildren. Along with her husband and parents, Delores was preceded in death by two sons, Randy and Brent; and one brother, Larry.
Delores worked for several years as a bartender and waitress at the Auki-Tiki Room at Waunee Farms, Kewanee. She later worked as the biscuit lady at Hardee’s Restaurant in Kewanee. Throughout the years, Delores enjoyed watching children in her home. She had a deep love for all children and was known as “Gigi” by her great grandchildren and the neighborhood kids. She was an amazing seamstress, as was blessed with a great talent for baking and cooking meals for all to enjoy.
Visitation will be 2-4 p.m. Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. A short prayer service will be at 4 p.m. A luncheon will follow at the Thomas Legacy Center. Cremation will be accorded following the services with private family burial of Robert and Delores at West Jersey Cemetery, West Jersey, Illinois. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Ronald McDonald House or to Knox County Humane Society. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
