Barbara Elizabeth Richards

Barbara Elizabeth Richards

Barbara was born on November 1st, 1941 in the Panama Canal Zone to Barbara Rachel Taylor and Edward John Langlands Carnegie.

Barbara peacefully passed away on June 24th, 2025 at the age of 83, joining her beloved husband of 38 years, Charles W. Richards, who passed away in October, 2003.

Barbara is survived by her brother, John Carnegie of Plano, TX; her sister, Jill Foley of Leesburg, VA; her daughter and her husband, Robyn and Greg Gribble, of Monroe, NC; her daughter, Kristina Maxwell, of Charlotte, NC; her son Scott Richards of Austin, TX; 9 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

Barbara loved animals and art her entire life. After high school, Barbara attended the illustrious Parsons School of Design. She was an accomplished horsewoman who owned horses most of her life, and even showed in Madison Square Garden as a young woman. In the 1970s, Barbara was the top breeder and show woman of Welsh Terriers in the US and was selected to become an American Kennel Club judge. After moving to SC, she started and ran a Grade A goat dairy for 8 years, but never gave up her passion in art. She began working for Belk Store Services in 1985 and won many awards for her artwork. She loved her job as a Senior Art Director, and retired after 29 years of service at BSS in 2014.

The family is planning a private ceremony to celebrate Barbara’s life. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Carolina P.A.W.S (https://www.carolinapaws.com/donate/), an animal rescue that was near and dear to Barbara’s heart.

Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservice.com

Gordon Funeral Service & Crematory, 1904 Lancaster Ave. Monroe, NC 28112, is honored to be entrusted to care for the Richards Family.