Misty Michelle Richards

Misty Michelle Richards was born on May 27, 1984 and passed away at home in Corpus Christi, Texas on April 29, 2025 leaving a void that cannot be filled. She was born and spent her childhood in and around Lake Charles, Louisiana, and took great pride in her Southwestern Louisiana heritage. Her teen years were spent in Corpus Christi where she became a lifetime fan of her Calallen Wildcats, especially the ladies’ soccer team. After a short period in Jacksonville, she returned to reside in Corpus Christi where she was employed as a customer service center operator.

Misty loved her family. At the center of her heart were her daughters, Eliana and Makayla Waldo, who she loved with all her being. They were her everything. Misty was preceded in death by her grandparents, James and Genelle Richards, her aunt Cathy Penn, and by her special uncle, Hank Duelm. In addition to her daughters, she is survived by her mother, Debra Richards; her sister, Mary Wallace; her brothers, Christopher Wallace and Cody Duelm; uncles Jimmy (Jan) Richards, Ricky (Cindy) Richards, and Ray Penn. She is also survived by special aunts and uncles Jean Duelm and Eugene and Nancy Wallace, and by Jim and Susan Waldo, for whom she was most grateful. 

Misty attended a non-denominational church and found great solace in her faith. She enjoyed music and the beach and was an avid reader, particularly swashbuckling action adventure stories. While reading was fun, a favorite activity revolved around family gatherings and the telling and hearing of stories, especially funny family stories that surrounded life’s little moments. She was known for giving great hugs, the kind where you had to take a deep breath and hold it while she squeezed with great gusto. Memories of those Misty hugs are held dear.

Her memorial service will be held on June 1 at 2:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 255 S. Henderson St. in Rusk, Texas. A short visitation period will follow the service then the family will proceed to the burial site at the Atoy Cemetery located on FM 343, about 7 miles East of the intersection of Hwy 69 and FM 343. 

Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church-Rusk, PO Box 99, Rusk, Texas 75785, or to the charity of your choice.