Helen (Holt) Richards

Helen Holt Richards, of the Blair School House Community, passed away on June 6, 2023, at Somerset Nursing and Rehabilitation. She was 90 years of age.

Born at home on April 29, 1933, in Russell County, she was a daughter of the late Estus and Rosa Selby Holt. Helen was a faithful member of Mount Pleasant United Methodist Church. Helen worked most of her life, retiring at the age of 80. Over the years, she spent 32 years as a factory worker at Russell Sportswear and then 20 years, as a handicapped bus aide. But her #1 job for 68 years was being a helpmate and taking care of her husband, Thelbert. She was also a wonderful mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Survivors include her son, Mitchell (and Tracy) Richards, of Russell Springs; her grandsons, Alex (and Jessica) Richards, of Richmond, and Drew (and Alysa) Richards, of Russell Springs; four great-grandchildren, Eli, Malachi, Tripp, and Meredith; a special niece, Lisa Smith; and a special great-niece, Dr. Shaunah (and Chris) Ritter.

In addition to her parents, Helen was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Thelbert Dean Richards, who passed away on August 21, 2022; three brothers, Carson Holt, Ralph Holt, and Bobby Holt; and three sisters, Marie Kilpatrick, Margaret Walls, and Ruby McGowan.

Funeral services are 11:00 A.M. Thursday, June 8, 2023, at Mount Pleasant United Methodist Church, with Brother Charles Edwards and Brother David Calhoun officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 5:00-8:00 P.M. Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at Bernard Funeral Home, and then from 9:00-11:00 A.M. Thursday, June 8, 2023, at Mount Pleasant United Methodist Church.

Pallbearers are Ricky Conover, Steve Conover, Ricky Barnes, Ricky Egnew, Robert Leach, Dale Smith, Phillip Oaks, and Junior Malone.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations of sympathy be made to Mount Pleasant Cemetery Fund, c/o Orvis Grider, 67 Glory Lane, Columbia, KY 42728.

Funeral arrangements for Mrs. Helen Holt Richards are under the care and direction of Bernard Funeral Home. An online guestbook is available at www.bernardfuneralhome.com.

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