Helen L. (Atchley) Richards

Helen Lenora (Atchley) Richards was born December 6, 1939, in Wynnewood, OK, to the late Bennie A. & Dorothy (Harper) Atchley. She died Thursday, January 11, 2024, in Davis, at the age of 84. In early January 1961, while attending a dance, Helen met Frankie Monroe Richards, and the couple was married three short weeks later, on January 25th, in Ardmore. Together they danced the next fifty-five plus years, until his death on August 10, 2016.

Helen grew up in the Chigley area, where she attended a one room schoolhouse, until moving to Davis, her eighth-grade year. Being one of ten children, Helen quickly learned that family must pull together. She learned early what it took to be a leader and how to get things done. This knowledge helped her not only in raising her own family, but also with her involvement in many church and school activities that her children were involved in. She was a true, diehard Davis Wolf fan. She attended every event that her children were in and many that they were not in. She was active with the Davis Band Boosters and the Davis Wolf Boosters for many years, with countless hours spent running concession stands at events.

Helen was a devoted member of the First Baptist Church of Davis for many years. During that time, she was active with the youth group, teaching Sunday School classes, attending Falls Creek as a sponsor, and teaching Vacation Bible School. Helen had a very giving heart. If she could help someone, she went out of her way to do so.

In her spare time, she enjoyed dancing, quilting, sewing, and cooking. Her home was always open to everyone. A visit to or stay at Helen’s house meant lots of fun and of course, lots of good food.

Survivors include two daughters, Janet Coll & husband Jerry, and Mary Richards, both of Davis; three sons, Tim Richards and Ben Richards & wife Maria, both of Davis, and Bruce Richards & wife Teri, of Paoli; grandchildren, JJ Coll, Justin Tate, David Coll, Brian Holland, Sierra Richards, Kelsey Williams & husband Matt, Benjamin Richards & wife Katie, Charlie Eddy, Heather Richards, Bruce Richards, II & wife Brandi, Konrad Richards, and John Richards; great-grandchildren, Jayden, Alexi, Alanna, Brielle, Carson, Ian, Piper, Kaydence, Silas, Isiah, Kailee, Hailee, Haley, Niah, Noah, Junior, Patricia and Abbigail; one great-great grandson, River; three sisters, Phyllis Conry, Wilma Brantley & husband Howard, and Sharon Ingram; two brothers, Virgil Atchley and John Atchley & wife Debbie; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to her parents and husband, Helen was preceded in death by three brothers, Charles, Willie & James Atchley; one sister, Ozie Bryant; niece, Angela Atchley; nephews, Allen & Anthony Atchley; special cousins, Angela Bumpass, and Jerry John Bumpass; as well as her beloved dear friend, Lucky Summers.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at the First Baptist Church of Davis, with Pastor Roger Rounsaville officiating. Interment will follow at the Green Hill Cemetery in Davis.