Shirley Ann (Blevins) Richards

Shirley Ann (Blevins) Richards, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and cherished member of her community, passed away on May 30, 2026, in Vian, Oklahoma, at the age of 88.

Born on August 7, 1937, in the Blackgum Community of Sequoyah County, Oklahoma, Shirley was the daughter of Oda Alice (Collins) Blevins and Floyd Lester Blevins. She married Donald Ray Richards on August 27, 1955, at the Sequoyah County Courthouse at high Noon, in Sallisaw, Oklahoma. Their union was a lifelong journey filled with love and devotion.

Shirley was a dedicated co-owner and operator of Granny’s Thimble alongside her sisters, a testament to her strong family ties. She was also a faithful member of the Blackgum Harvestime Church, where her faith and kindness touched many lives.

She is lovingly remembered by her husband, Short Richards, who shared her life and heart; her two daughters, Patricia Ellis of Blackgum, Oklahoma, and Julie Boshers and Donnie of Muldrow, Oklahoma; and five cherished grandchildren—Heather Hart and Michael of Parker, TX, Kinsley Swepston of Blackgum, OK, Trey Boshers and Tyler of Port Charlotte, FL, Brooks Boshers of Fort Smith, AR, and Brady Boshers of Muldrow, OK. Shirley's legacy continues through three precious great-grandchildren: Nathaniel Hart of Cottbus, Germany, Bryleigh Hart of Parker, Texas, and Kollyns Rice of Blackgum.

Her family circle was further enriched by a very special niece, Susan Holder and Mark of Vian, Oklahoma, and LaDonna Brockman Devine of Fort Smith, Arkansas; as well as her nephew, John Brockman and Danielle of Blackgum, Oklahoma. She also leaves behind two sisters-in-law, Bobbie Rasmussen of Missoula, Montana, and Mary Remer-Fitzgerald of Vian, Oklahoma; alongside many other nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends who were touched by her warmth and generosity.

Shirley was preceded in death by her loving parents; three dear sisters—Mary Lou Risley, twin sister, Verley Sykes, and Linda Ball; her grandparents L.M. and Lou Collins and W.D. and Mary Blevins; one niece, June Tramell; two nephews, David Cotner and Billy Risley; and three brothers-in-law, Donald Risley, Billy Don Ball, and Neal Sykes.

The family will gather to celebrate Shirley’s life at a funeral service held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at Blackgum Harvestime Church in Vian, Oklahoma. Following the service, she will be laid to rest at a private family burial at Box Cemetery in Vian under the care of Agent Mallory Martin Funeral Service, Inc. Visitation will be held from Noon to 8 PM on Tuesday at Agent Mallory Martin Funeral Home in Sallisaw, Oklahoma.

Active pallbearers honoring Shirley’s memory include Trey Boshers, Brooks Boshers, Brady Boshers, Donnie Boshers, Michael Hart, Bryleigh Hart, Nathaniel Hart, Mark Holder, and Dillon Holder.

Shirley Ann Richards’ life was a beautiful tapestry woven with love, faith, and family. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered in the hearts of all who knew her.