Juanita Richardson, 90, passed away Sunday January 14 after a long battle with heart and kidney disease. She was born December 5, 1933 to John and Hazel Barton of Wartrace, Tennesee. She is preceded in death by her spouse, Paul Richardson; parents John and Hazel Barton; brothers Howard and John Jr. Barton; and sister Jackie Greene.
A resident of Yellow Springs for over 5 decades, Juanita was a member of St. Paul’s Catholic Church, worked as a special education aide in the Yellow Springs school system, and worked at the Yellow Springs Credit Union. She celebrated her 90th birthday last month in grand style with multiple parties and an overwhelmingly touching card shower from friends and family near and far.
Juanita’s family would like to thank everyone in the community who helped make it possible for her to stay in the house she loved and shared with her husband of 67 years. The Yellow Springs community-wide love and support have been tremendous.
Juanita is survived by her daughters Natasha Dela Cruz and Tonia Richardson; son-in-law Ramon Dela Cruz; and grandsons Alex (Samantha) Dela Cruz and Emmanuel Dela Cruz.
Viewing will be held on Saturday January 20 from 10 – 11 am at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Yellow Springs, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11 am, burial at St. Paul’s Cemetery, and a light luncheon at the church.
We have fond memories of Juanita when she worked at Mills Lawn and the Credit Union. She and Paul were kind and gracious people who helped make YS a welcoming place for all. Our sympathy to all your family.
Juanita loved her St. Paul family and was a partner and supporter of her husband Paul as he studied to be a Deacon at St. Paul. She and Paul are together now and their comfort and presence will be greatly missed by all! God rest her soul. Dick and Sue Dillon
Our friendship lasted for almost sixty years. She will be sorely missed. My sympathy goes out to her daughters Tonia and Natasha.
I have just learned of Juanita’s passing. I now live in Cincinnati. Juanita took an interest in me along with Deacon Paul and made me feel so welcome at church and our prayer group. I loved her sweet spirit! I send her family my sincere condolences. I know she is at peace with Deacon Paul in Heaven.