Obituary of Nancy Kay Richardson

Nancy Kay Richardson, 78, of Girard, Illinois, died on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 at Springfield Memorial Hospital. Nancy was born March 25, 1946 in Vandalia, Illinois, the daughter of Thomas E. and Betty L. Hatfill Richardson. Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, her aunt, Donna Anderson, and two cousins. Nancy has always lived in Illinois, having previously resided in Mulberry Grove, Broadlands and Penfield. She has lived in Girard for the past 57 years. When Nancy was born, she was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, and her parents were told she would probably never walk. As an indication of the kind of determined person she would become, not only did she learn to walk, but she could also do things like run, play baseball and basketball, and ride a bicycle. Nancy used to walk many miles in Girard picking up cans and taking them to the local recycling facility. Among other things, she used the money she received for postage to send letters to various sports figures, movie stars and tv personalities requesting their autographs. These activities led to Nancy being featured in an article by Dave Bakke in the State Journal-Register and recognized by the Girard City Council for helping to keep Girard looking nice by picking up cans. Nancy loved her nieces and nephews and enjoyed attending their sporting events and activities. She was happiest with a baby in her arms or a dog on her lap. She was a huge St. Louis Cardinals fan. Surviving are her four siblings, Jackie (Clay) Dixon of Augusta, Kansas, David (Gail) Richardson of Pawnee, Debbie (Kevin) Hinds of Girard, and Mary (Doug) Neff of Decatur, Illinois; aunt, Harriet (Dave) Reynolds of Coralville, Iowa; 10 nieces and nephews, 22 great-nieces and nephews, and several cousins. Graveside services will be held at Mulberry Grove Cemetery, Mulberry Grove, Illinois on Monday, September 9 at 1 p.m. Everyone is encouraged to dress casually and wear a St. Louis Cardinals shirt, or something red. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Girard Township Library, (201 W Madison St, Girard, IL 62640) or Girard Fire & Rescue (P.O. Box 75, Girard, IL 62640).