Patricia Ann Richards was called home to be with the Lord Tuesday, March 17, 2026. Tricia was born in Chicago, IL on August 20, 1935 to Pauline Lucille (Kirchhoff) and Roy Edward Gately where she lived until graduating from South Shore High School. She went on to attend one year at University of IL before marrying.

From there, Tricia's life would take on numerous twists and turns filled with a variety of unique experiences culminating in 26 moves in 6 states. She believed strongly in equality. In the late 1960's she was involved in helping to establish Head Start in the St. Louis area, then a new program aimed at helping disadvantaged children achieve success early in school.

In El Paso she became involved in bringing to light the difficult conditions of the Hispanic community. She was involved in the formation of El Paso Community College which was targeting opportunities for further education for the less-affluent.

From El Paso, Tricia went to Mission, SD where she participated in efforts of Lakota Sioux (Rosebud) to educate their members at the fledgling Sinte Gleska College. Many hours were spent behind the camera documenting for history the traditions of the people, from Pow-Wow's to rodeos to every-day life. Her photography was featured throughout the book "Songs and Dances of the Lakota" by Ben Black Bear.

Then it was on to Valentine, NE, where Tricia worked at the formation of what would become the largest sole proprietorship accounting firm in Nebraska.

After having had enough of cold snowy weather, Tricia went back to Texas. She had an array of jobs with exciting firms like Levi Strauss and Anderson Clayton/Kraft Foods which culminated as executive assistant to one of Dallas' most respected real-estate moguls and philanthropist, Mr. Hall.

Might all this adventure be symbolic in her love for the color blue? Blue has a wide array of meanings and it can be associated with freedom, creativity, imagination, and sensitivity. Tricia has sparkling big blue eyes – and led vibrant life.

She was a long-time parishioner of Bentwood Trail Presbyterian Church (formerly Churchill Way Presbyterian Church), where over the 42 years she made many friends and was active in their chancel choir.

Tricia is survived by cherished children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces' nephews, and friends.

The family would like to extend a special thanks for the amazing compassion and care shown to Tricia by the wonderful Terrell Health Care (Nexion) staff and Heart to Heart Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, and at Tricia's request, please consider making a donation in her name to your cherished organization.