Melinda Sue Richards, age 57, from Wildwood, passed away October 9, 2014 in The Villages, Florida. Melinda was born in Terre Haute, Indiana and moved to the Wildwood area over 18 years ago from Jacksonville, Florida. She was a member of The Father’s House Church in Leesburg and an Alumni of the University of Florida in Gainesville. Melinda proudly served her country during Operation Desert Storm in the U. S. Navy. She retired in 1993 after 16 years of service. She went on to receive a Master’s Degree in Education with a specialty in educating children with autism, and spent her second career at Webster Elementary. She will be especially remembered for her love and passion for her students. Those closest to her used words like, “kind, hardworking, highly skilled, strong willed, independent, and extremely social” to describe her. Her personality was magnetic and readily drew people to her. She loved to spend time at the beaches, traveling, reading, but most of all she loved spending time with her family. She was an excellent cook with her chili and macaroni and cheese dishes being the most renowned. She was pre-deceased by her parents, Charles and Marian Richards, and her brother, Craig Richards. She leaves behind to carry on her memory, her children – Christopher Pilcher, and Westah Daniels both of Wildwood; a sister – Cheryl Harrison of Manhattan, KS; granddaughter Christian Downs; and nieces and nephews – Vanessa Richards; Amy Welfringer; Meghan Flanigan; and Brett Woodward. There will be a Celebration of her life 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 18, 2014 at The Father’s House with Rev. Mike Matheny serving as Officiant. A private interment will take place at Florida National Cemetery – Bushnell, Florida with full military honors.
