Joyce Elaine Richards

Joyce, beloved mother, grandmother and adventurer, passed away peacefully on October 13, 2024, at the age of 90.
Born on July 5, 1934, Joyce was the youngest of two children of Neldon and Gertrude Taylor. At the age of 18, Joyce married the love of her life, William “Bill” G. Richards, in an unforgettable elopement in Reno, NV after knowing each other for only 5 days. Their 53-year journey together took them to many corners of the world, following Bill’s tour as a Seabee in the Navy, and later his career as a civil engineer. From the Philippines to Honduras, Uruguay, and beyond, Joyce and Bill embraced adventure, living in numerous countries including Trinidad & Tobago, Panama, Ecuador, Peru and Kuwait. They even spent time living on the “Joysea,” a sailboat in the Florida Keys, and later traveled across all 50 states in an RV.
Joyce was a woman of remarkable spirit, known for her passion for travel, sailing and community engagement. They were actively involved in sailing and yacht clubs in multiple states. She fondly remembered her time at the Elks Club in Sun City, AZ, where she participated in the Ladies Auxiliary and the Sun City Red Hats Society. A gifted storyteller with a flair for fashion, Joyce had a unique ability to connect with people from all walks of life, especially appreciating the Native American culture.
Joyce is survived by her three children: Kimberly A. Lentfer (68) of Sun City, AZ, Douglas G. Richards (67) and his wife Lori of Keller, TX, and Michael L. Richards (65) and his wife June of Fort Pierce, FL. She leaves behind four cherished grandchildren: Jessina R. Burnett (47) and her husband Matt of Erie, CO; John W. Lentfer (45) of Northglenn, CO, and his wife Megan; Morgan L. Richards (24) of Fayetteville, AR; and Mayson R. Richards (22) of College Station, TX. Joyce was also a proud great grandmother to Caston C. Lentfer (2) of Northglenn, CO.
Joyce is preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband Bill, and her brother Jerry Taylor.
Kim, Doug & Michael are extremely grateful to simply be her children and to have such a beautiful mother, inside and out. They have a profound appreciation of all the things she taught them, especially her values and manners. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends, who remember her as a strong, adventurous, classy lady with a zest for life.