Patricia A. (Swallow) Richards

Ft. Wayne: Patricia “Patty” Richards, 88, passed away Sunday afternoon January 17, 2021 at Coventry Meadows Nursing Facility in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. Patty was born to Ralph and Opal (Bunker) Swallow on Wednesday, September 14, 1932 in Muncie, Indiana. She was a 1950 graduate of Muncie Central High School. After high school, she found she enjoyed clerical work. Indiana Steel and Wire was her place of employment for more than 20 years. While working there, she met Harold J. Richards. They wed in 1970 and she happily became a homemaker. They were blessed in marriage until his passing in 2008. She was a lifelong member of Hazelwood Christian Church volunteering in the Women’s Organization, bazaars and lawn festivals. She participated in the Chi-Ki-Lo Sunday School Class and cherished the friendships formed there. Patty enjoyed cooking for family, Wapahani Band Booster Fundraising and various meals served at Hazelwood. Her hobbies, over the years included bowling, gardening, crocheting and needlepoint. She enjoyed many competitive games of euchre as well. Patty moved to Ft. Wayne in 2011 to be near family.

Surviving Patty, are daughter, Jenny Baitz and her husband Greg, grandsons Ethan and Kyle Baitz all of Fort Wayne. Her sister, Anona Dixon, of Grand Rapids, MI; brother, J. Bing (Shirley) Swallow of Parker City; 8 nephews, 2 nieces and numerous great-nieces and nephews also survive. Husband Harold and her parents Ralph and Opal preceded her in passing.

Funeral services will be held at Parson Mortuary on Saturday, January 23, 2021 at 1:00 pm with Pastor James Petty officiating. Burial will follow at Gardens of Memory Cemetery north of Muncie.  Friends may call on Saturday January 23, 2021 from 11:00 until the time of the service. The family would request that social distancing rules be observed and masks be worn. Memorials may be given to Hazelwood Christian Church, Alzheimer’s Association or donor’s choice.

The family will receive online condolences at www.parsonmortuary.com.

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