Barbara A. Richards, 91, formerly of Jefferson Street, passed away Thursday afternoon, February 5, 2026, at the Lewis County Residential Health Care Facility where she was a resident for a brief time.

Barbara was born August 16, 1934, in Port Leyden, the daughter of the late Kenneth H. and Mary Louise (Sears) Gaylord, Sr. Barbara was a graduate of General Martin High School. She married David B. Richards, Jr. on August 20, 1955, in the Martinsburg United Methodist Church, with Rev. Martin J. Weck, pastor, officiating.

Barbara was a classroom aide at Glenfield Elementary school for several years where she devoted herself to staff and students creating lifelong memories for her and those around her. Barbara committed herself to the students at school by participating with fundraisers, designing and creating costumes for class plays, and always being available to the students as a mentor. Barbara was an active member of the PTO and also served as an AFS coordinator for foreign exchange students. She was an active member of both the Glenfield and Lowville United Methodist Church, dedicating countless hours to serve through committees, lay speaking, teaching Sunday School, church dinners and singing in the choir. One of her greatest passions was sharing God’s message through fellowship within the community.

After retirement, she dedicated herself fully to her children and grandchildren. However, with the arrival of the great grandchildren came an unbreakable bond and a joy unlike any before, to include picking on Axel, putting puzzles together with Ayla, hiding grocery items for Emma to find or snuggling Cooper. She went beyond that though, to extend her love and generosity to friends, neighbors, and anyone who came in contact with her. Barbara became known as everyone’s “Nana”, bringing her endless joy. Nana was known throughout the neighborhood as the “trouble” officiator, handing out trophies to the winners. She provided endless hours of laughter and educational experiences for all the children - including everyone’s all time favorite memory of racing three sailboats in the tub for Columbus Day. Nana left a legacy that will continue to be carried on for years in the hearts of those she touched.

Surviving are her daughter and son-in-law, Amy and John Monnat of Lowville; her granddaughters, Alyssa and Ambrose Bush and their children, Axel and Ayla Bush, and Ashley and Jared Martin and their children, Emma and Cooper Martin; her sisters, Linda and Tom Zehr, Donna Krokowski, brother-in-law Ted Kulpa; and her sister-in-law, Fran Gaylord.

Barbara was predeceased by her husband David B. Richards, Jr., her son, Mark David Richards; her brothers, Kenneth Gaylord, Jr. (Nancy), Eugene H. Gaylord, William Gaylord (Kazuko), and Richard Gaylord (Faye); her sisters, Lois Brower (Preston), Elizabeth J. Tiffany (Harold), Mary Lou (Gaylord) Kulpa; and her brother-in-law, Karl Krokowski.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, February 12, 2026 at 12pm at Lowville United Methodist Church, 7618 N. State Street, Lowville with Rev. Kevin Kitto, Pastor and Brenda Shelmidine, Certified Lay Servant, officiating.

Calling hours will be held prior to the memorial, from 11am-12pm at the church.

 Memorials in Barbara’s name may be made to: Lewis County Humane Society, P.O. Box 682, Lowville, NY 13367