Tributes

Charlsa Oylene Richards born to Cora and Charlie Long on October 16, 1928 near Jay, Oklahoma and passed away on Saturday, February 18, 2017, in Fresno, CA. She is preceded in death by her husband Wallace (Bill) Richards and her son Ronald Richards. She is survived by her daughter Darla Silver, and her sons Bill Richards and Kenneth Richards. She is also survived by her grandchildren Stacy, Brent, Dustin, Derrick, Misty, Brittany, Brandy, Jamie, and Christopher. In addition, she is survived by 13 great grandchildren. Charlsa was also known affectionately as “Charlie” Richards. She inherited this name while coaching her daughter’s softball team which became known as Charlies Angels. This was only one of Charlies commitments to her children while they were growing up. Everything from Room mother and cub scout den Mother to being a great cook and having the home that other kids liked to hang out at, she was 100 percent committed to her family. Charlsa grew up in rural Oklahoma and moved to California in June of 1945. She and her family landed at the farm labor camp in Clovis which is where she met her soon to be husband Bill, who was also a native Oklahoman. They soon married and settled in Clovis near Bill’s mother’s and Step Dad’s home. With the assistance of his Step Dad, Charlie Graham, a lot was acquired and they constructed Bill and Charlsa’s first home. After a few years both families moved to Fresno and managed to again get homes near each other. During this time, Bill and Charlsa had 3 sons Bill, Ron and Ken. They all attended school at Jefferson Elementary in Fresno and enjoyed a close relationship with Bill’s extended family who also had sons and daughters of similar ages. As Fresno grew northward Charlsa got a notion that it would be worthwhile to join that growth. One day in about 1959, she decided to go to the Fresno City Hall and look at the projected growth maps for the City. While there she discovered what had to be the first maps of the new Freeway 41 that would eventually cut through the City. In looking at these maps she figured out that the present clover leaf intersection of Highway 41 and 180 landed right in the middle of their present home. Even though this proposal was far off in the future she convinced Bill that it was time to move north. So, the old house was rented out and the northward move occurred. About the time of the relocation to north Fresno the 4th child was added to the family. After 3 boys, the family finally had a daughter, Darla. It so happened that the winner of the Miss Teenage America pageant that year was from Fresno and had the first name of Darla which was rumored to be in influencing factor for this name. As could be expected the addition of a girl to an all boy family proved to make living conditions difficult but everybody survived. When the oldest son Bill moved onto college relief finally occurred. As years progressed each of the children began their own families leaving Bill and Charlsa to the retired life. Bill and Charlsa had a few great years of retired life especially after Bill was finally convinced that flying was OK because it meant a shorter trip to Reno, so Charlsa had a great time. Unfortunately, this time was cut short by the early death of her husband Bill who at the age of 66 did not survive a heart attack. Charlsa grieved for a while but then decided that her life was not over. Between a few extended trips and the ever-present bingo games she was always on the move making it difficult for the family to keep up with her. After many years of being active, she began to slow and dementia finally brought this lively person down. At first, she was watched from a distance by family members but the illness progressed to the point that live-in care was necessary. During the last few years of Charlsa’s life she was cared for by her son Ken who loved her dearly and provided care in a very difficult situation. Along with direct care he provided her with conversation and other support beyond her physical needs. Without him her life would have been even shorter. Good bye mom, you leave us all heartbroken but we know you are in a better place now. Say hi to Dad and Ron for us.

Tributes

Charlsa Oylene Richards

October 16, 1928 - February 18, 2017