Julia Richards

CUYAHOGA FALLS - Julia Richards, 81, passed away Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at Maplewood Assisted Living in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio.

Julia was born in Columbus, IN, to the late Dale and Alice Hickey. In 1941, the year Julia was born, they were living in a newly built home in what is now Camp Atterbury. She spent roughly the first half of her childhood in Edinburgh, in the “Mutz house” on Walnut Street. From there the family moved to her grandfather’s farm just north of Taylorsville. She has been described as a mischievous, strong-willed girl, who loved her horses (she was a barrel racer!), her dogs, and her books. She was also a beautiful young woman - the Edinburgh Walnut Fall Festival Queen at age 15. Julia graduated from Columbus North High School in 1960.

Julia married her high school sweetheart, Ron, and together they attended, first, Bethel College in Kentucky, and then Ball State University. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in English and soon after began her first career - an English teacher at Edinburgh High School. She also completed a master’s degree from Indiana University during this period.

In 1975, she and Ron purchased Snyder’s grain elevator in Taylorsville, and Julia began her next career as bookkeeper for the business. Together, they owned and operated the elevator for 25 years. They were proud supporters of the Bartholomew County 4-H youth. Julia was also involved with the Bartholomew County Historical Society and the Mudlarks and Columbus Garden clubs, which led to her next chapter. In 1995, she became a master gardener and opened Crackaway Farm, a perennial plant and gift store, at her home north of Taylorsville.

Julia and Ron moved to Lake Wales, Florida, in 2005. In retirement, Julia enjoyed hosting family and friends, playing bridge, and meeting new people in her new community. She also discovered a passion for designing and making beautiful, beaded jewelry.

She will be fondly remembered for her wit, her smarts, her creativity, her open easy-going nature, and her sophistication. She was quick to laugh with her family and friends, whom she truly loved.

Julia is preceded in death by her husband, Ronald Richards. She is survived by her children, Dana Richards of Akron, Ohio and Andy (Susan) Richards of Martinsville, Indiana; grandchildren, Sander, Charlie, and Pete Kolodziej, and Georgia Richards.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Condolences may be sent to her children: 40 Castle Blvd., Akron OH 44313.