Sandra Kay Richardson

Sandra Kay Richardson, age 81 years, a resident of Cypress, Illinois, passed away Tuesday afternoon, December 30, 2025, at 5:15 P.M. at the Massac Memorial Hospital in Metropolis, Illinois. Sandy, as she was affectionately known to family and friends, was born August 15, 1944 in Cypress, Illinois. She was the daughter of Melvin and Dorothy Genevieve (Dorsett) Moake. On June 9, 1967, Sandy was united in marriage to Robert Richardson in Mounds, Illinois. Together, Bob and Sandy have shared over 58 years of marriage. In addition to her beloved husband, Sandy is survived by: 4 sons – Tracy (Christina) Richardson of Cypress, Illinois, Bobby (Melody) Richardson of Lick Creek, Illinois, Jack (Beverly) Richardson of Vienna, Illinois, and Harold Richarsdson of Anna, Illinois; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren; a sister – Melva Adams of Indianapolis, Indiana; a brother – Ed Moake of Cypress, Illinois; a sister-in-law – Rita Moake of Cypress, Illinois; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to her parents, Sandy was preceded in death by: a son – Robin Henson in October 2025; 2 brothers – Shirley (Thelma) Moake and Frank Moake; and 2 sisters – Viola Mae Moake and Wanda Fern (Pete) Gulley. Sandy was a graduate of Vienna High School. Following her graduation, Sandy was employed for four years at Florsheim Shoe Co. in Anna. She then attended and graduated from Beauty College, located in Marion, Illinois. Sandy operated her own beauty shop in Cypress for 2 years. She then began her employment as a beautician at the Empress Beauty Shop in Vienna, where she worked until her retirement in 1997 with 22 years of service. Sandy was a faithful and devoted Christian. She had a passion for gospel music and was a talented vocalist and pianist. She sang with “Genesis II” and then spent 7 years with the “New Harmony Singers’ from Olmsted, Illinois. Later, Sandy and Bob traveled throughout the region, singing and sharing the gospel through music together. Sandy and Bob attended Pleasant Ridge Church, north of Vienna, for 18 years. During this time, Sandy served as the church pianist for 15 years. She later served as the pianist at the New Burnside Community Church for 17 years. They then worshipped together at Maple Grove Baptist Church at Perks, Illinois. For the past five years, Sandy has been unable to attend regular church services, due to her declining health. Sandy enjoyed working in her yard and raising flowers, as long as her health permitted. She was also an avid reader and enjoyed scrapbooking. A memorial graveside service will be held at a later date. Interment will be in Luther’s Chapel Cemetery, south of Cypress, Illinois. Memorials may be made to the Heather Harper Treat Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 98, Vienna, Illinois 62995.

Sandra Kay Richardson

August 15, 1944 - December 30, 2025