Ishpeming – Kelly L. Richards, age 47 of 115 Co. Rd. PPL in Tilden Twp. passed away on Monday, July 2, 2012 at the Marquette Co. Medical Care Facility in Ishpeming where she had resided for the past 3 months, she had been in ill health for the past eight years.


Kelly was born September 30, 1964 in Wakefield, MI the daughter of the late Phillip and Helen (Champion) Wickstrom. She was a graduate of the Bergland High School, Class of 1982. Kelly continued her schooling at Northern Michigan University and received a degree in cosmetology. She went on to be a partner with her sisters at the Beauty Boutique in Ishpeming where she worked for many years. Kelly's health took her away from the Beauty Boutique and she returned to work as a bookkeeper for Gadzinski Accounting in Ishpeming until her retirement in 2004 due to her illness.


Kelly was an active member of the Ishpeming Women's Pool League and had served as President of the league. Kelly truly loved life to the fullest, enjoying hunting, fishing, sky diving and time spent pulling the kids around Long Lake, where she most enjoyed spending her time. She was a kind and loving soul, always giving of her time. Her family will truly miss her along with her many pets including her dogs and chickens.

Survivors include her husband of 28 years Frank Richards of Ishpeming, a son Joseph (Jaimie) Richards of Ishpeming, a daughter Terri Jo Richards of Ishpeming, 3 sisters including her twin sister Kim (Marty) Kleinschmidt of Houston, TX, Sherry Conradson of Ishpeming and Donna (Jimmie) Besander of Ishpeming, a brother John Hooper of Ishpeming, a grandson Nathaniel Richards and another expected grandchild in December, a brother-in-law – Joe (Donna) Richards of Ishpeming, sister-in-law – Betty (Jim) Miller of Ishpeming, along with numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousin, and her present canine Honey. She was preceded in death by brothers-in-law – Jim Conradson and Daryl Voecks.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 2 until 3pm on Saturday, July 7, 2012 at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home. A memorial service will follow at 3:00pm on Saturday in the funeral home with Major Rosemary Matson to officiate. Inurnment will take place at the Ishpeming Cemetery. A luncheon will follow at the Ishpeming V.F.W.