Dorothy Anne Richards

Dorothy Anne Richards, age 90, of Canton passed away on July 25, 2023.

She was born on December 29, 1932 on the farm in Plymouth, Michigan to her parents Gladys (Kincaid) and Percy Gotts. She learned a strong work ethic and dedication while growing up on the family farm. She enjoyed spending time helping her dad out in the barn, feeding animals, and selling produce at Eastern Market in Detroit. She even learned to drive at the age of 7 to help on the farm.

Dorothy married the love of her life, Robert H. Richards in 1952 and celebrating 70 wonderful years together who preceded her in death just 5 months ago. Together they raised a beautiful family filled with lots of love. Dorothy worked professionally as a secretary for many years. During her time with Bendix Aero Space she obtained a security clearance to transcribe top secret information for NASA. She received recognition for her dedicated work with the Apollo 11 man on the moon space mission. As the space program slowed, she worked for KMS Fusion, the first company to attempt to produce a fusion reactor using the inertial confinement fusion approach. 

Outside of working, Dorothy was a dedicated parishioner and the oldest member of the Cherry Hill United Methodist Church. She served dutifully as a Trustees Chair where she oversaw many of the church's activities. She was also active on the Cherry Hill Cemetery board up until her decline in health. Dorothy was a true animal lover and supported many organizations with her generous donations and time. Dorothy loved to travel with her husband Bob on their Harley, usually a trip to see their adult children or grand children's sporting events. Gardening was her biggest passion. Her yard was full of color and her garden bountiful.

Above all else, family was the most important part of her life. Dorothy is survived by two children: Polly (Richard) Bradburn and Paul (Michelle) Richards as well as one stepdaughter Terry Brady. Grandchildren include Emily (William) Frable; Benjamin Bradburn; Samuel (Danielle) Richards; Alexandra Richards; Ryan (Lori) Bost; and Stacy Bost. Her beloved great-grandchildren are Liam, Vivianne, and Warren Frable;

Estelle and Luella Richards; Ryan Jr. and Abigail Bost. She is also survived by her sister Joyce Gyde.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 29 at 4:00 P.M. at the Schrader-Howell Funeral Home (280 South Main Street in Plymouth, MI).

Visitation will precede the service from 1:00  - 4:00 P.M.

Donations in Dorothy's memory may be made to the Michigan Humane Society of Huron Valley at 3100 Cherry Hill Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105 or Angela Hospice at 14100 Newburgh Road, Livonia, MI 48154.

Dorothy will be greatly missed and we ask you to keep her family in your prayers.