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Catherine Jane (Scott) Richards, 88, of Baldwin City, KS died peacefully on September 22, 2012 at the Baldwin Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in the arms of family.
She and her twin sister, Sarah Jean, were born April 22, 1924 at the family home on West Fourth, Garnett, KS to Henry Kip Scott and Lillian (Archer) Scott. Jane, or Joan/Jo, as she was known during her childhood and teenage years, graduated in 1942 from Garnett High School. She entered the University of Kansas as a Watkins Scholar, and in 1944 moved to Los Angeles to study at UCLA and work as a draftsman. In 1948, she completed a bachelor's degree in Humanities, with an emphasis in architecture, in the College of Arts and Sciences at Kansas State University. Her first job after graduation was with Temperature Engineering in Kansas City, MO, where she was the sole female drafting engineer.
Jane married Dean D. "Tutt" Richards, Jr., on March 25, 1950. They lived with their growing family in Baldwin City, Kansas City, MO, Prairie Village, KS and Omaha, NE before returning to Baldwin in 1956 to co- own and operate The Baldwin Ledger and The Wellsville Globe. From 1958 to 1974, Jane was the managing editor of The Ledger and, after 1965, when she and Dean established a controlled circulation newspaper for Eudora, The Eudora Enterprise. She also wrote a weekly column for The Ledger, "On the Street." Following the sale of Baldwin Publications, Jane worked as interim editor of The Hoisington (Kansas) Dispatch and The Claflin (Kansas) Clarion, then joined Baker University as Director of Information Services, a position she held until 1988. After departing from Baker, Jane worked as Archivist for the Franklin County Historical Society, Ottawa, KS, where she conducted genealogy research, contributed to publications, and gave tours.
A 25-year member of the Kansas Press Women (KPW), as well as a past officer and member of the KPW Board of Directors, Jane was named Top Woman Editor in Kansas three times, received eight first- place awards from the KPW in news editing, writing, layout, and features, and received a first-place award from the National Federation of Press Women in the special editions of weekly newspapers category. Other journalism and publication honors included Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics-Sports Information Directors (NAIA-SIDA) awards. Baker University also named her an honorary alumna.
Jane was exceptionally engaged with her community and the activities of her children. Her professional and civic awards include citations for public service from Rotary International, the American Legion, Business and Professional Women, the Parent-Teachers Association, the Baldwin City Jaycees, and the Baldwin City Chamber of Commerce. She was a two-term member and former president of the Baldwin City School Board, USD 348, a board member of
the East Central Kansas Cooperative in Education, a past president and life member of the Baldwin City PTA, a member and past president of Chapter CK of PEO, and a member of the Baldwin City Council, the Baldwin Library Board of Trustees, the Douglas County Chapter of the American Red Cross, the Franklin County Historical Society, the Hestia Study and Tuesday Reading clubs of Baldwin City, and the Baldwin Biddies. She was also a Boy Scout den mother, and the mother of four and the grandmother of two Eagle Scouts.
Jane was an ardent gardener, landscaper, interior decorator, photographer, reader, family genealogist, and seamstress. She was a devoted member of the First United Methodist Church in Baldwin and, later, the Episcopal Church in Ottawa, KS. She greatly enjoyed singing and listening to music, watching movies, swimming, and caring for wild and abandoned animals, as well as the many dogs and cats that she and her husband welcomed into their home. She also made the best potato salad on the planet. Above all else, Jane was a loyal and caring mother and grandmother, who considered her children her greatest treasures.
Jane is survived by her husband of 62 years, Dean, a resident at the Baldwin Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center; her six children and their spouses: Dr. Dean Richards III and Nancy, Leawood, KS; Nancy Jane Richards, Oakham, MA; Susan Richards Johnson and Karl Johnson, Kansas City, MO; Scott Richards and Terrie, Lakewood, CO; John Richards and Nancy, Baldwin City; and Kip Richards and Denise, Overland Park, KS; twelve grandchildren; four great- grandchildren; and an elder brother, Bill, of California. She was preceded in death by her parents, her twin sister, her elder sister, and her elder twin brothers.
A memorial Service will be held Saturday, October 13, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Baldwin City, followed by interment at the Garnett Cemetery.
The family would like to extend its profound appreciation to the staff of Baldwin Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center for their loving and seemingly tireless care of our mother during her stay there, and to the Good Shepherd Hospice for the comprehensive and sensitive care they extended to our mother and her family during her final hours.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to Baker University for a scholarship, the details of which will be announced at a later date.
Please sign this guestbook at Obituaries.LJWorld.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
I was so sad to hear of your mom's passing. I have so many fond memories of time spent at your house. She was almost like my second mom during my time in BHS. I think of you all daily.
With deepest sympathy,
Keith Neuenswander
October 13, 2012
I had the honor of meeting Jane later in her life. The first time we met I thought, "What a beautiful, graceful lady." Not only did she have physical beauty, but a beautiful mind as well. What accomplishments she made both in her professional and personal life.
Kathy Hoffman
October 1, 2012
What an amazing woman your mom was,my prayers are with you and your family.
Karen Parsons
October 1, 2012
She leaves quite a legacy...what an amazing woman. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Jackie and Doug Caldwell
October 1, 2012
Susan and family, I am awed by your mother's accomplishments (and her beauty). She sounds like an amazing mom and a career woman who was ahead of her time. Please know that all of us at Unity are holding your family in our prayers!
Charlotte Shelton
October 1, 2012
I never met her, but her youngest son, Kip was a classmate of mine, and I have since become friends with John. Knowing both of them tells me everything I need to know that this was one great Human being. The story speaks of a Strong Woman who led a very Strong life.
Davey Richardson
September 30, 2012
What a great neighborhood MOM. Jane kept an eye on our whole neighorhood. Playing with Nancy and Dean in the Richard's backyard is a special memory with Jane supply the cookies... Thinking of a very special MOM... Dirk Wedd Lawrence Ks
September 30, 2012
Tutt and Jane gave me my first job at the Baldwin Ledger after I graduated from Baker in 1965. They were just crazy-fun to work with, and I will always remember their warmth and generosity. Extraordinary people, beautiful family. I am very sorry for your loss.
Judy Moser
September 29, 2012
Thinking of entire family.
jeanette kalb
September 29, 2012
I always admired Jane for afar as a college and graduate student. Her extraordinary life is surely borne out in the legacy of her remarkable children. The Doty family extends our love and sympathy to all of the Richards family.
Rev. Dr. Mark Doty
September 29, 2012
I am sorry for your loss, Jane lived a long, full life with many blessings and will be deeply missed by all who love her. May your memories ease your pain as you turn to God for comfort and peace.
Sandra Smith
September 29, 2012
Jane was a rare gift to this world. She knew how to love her children well. Hers was a rich accomplished life; she could address any subject with wisdom and mirth in the midst of heavy professional demands while raising her family. We all feel this loss and remember Jane with grace, great talks, an expansive, wise mind. I learned so much from her: from fabric to photography, from family life to mothering. I am thankful for her selflessness, remembering her as she drove Susan and me to school every warm, cold or freezing morning! Our sorrow is mixed with a joyful celebration. Wonderful times to remember beloved Jane and her beautiful strong legacy, her gifted remarkable children. Mother Merciel, Mark and David and their families join me in our expression of sympathy and profound celebration.
Martha Doty Harwell
September 29, 2012
May God bless your family in this time of sorrow.
Kathy DeGraffenreid Perkins
September 28, 2012
My thougths and prayers are with the family.
It was a pleasure to have worked with Jane at Baker University.
Murray Blackwelder
Murray Blackwelder
September 28, 2012
It's always hard to lose a loved one. As written in the poem "Foot Prints in the Sand" God will carry you through.
Kirk Matchell
September 28, 2012
So sorry to hear about Jane's passing. She was a magnificent woman. I will never forget the times I spent with Jane and the entire family in Baldwin. Heart-warming, fun, wonderful memories to cherish always. Love to all of you.
Miriam (Kinyon) Cuddy
September 28, 2012
God bless your family
Steve Hall
September 28, 2012
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