Madeline Betty Richardson
Madeline Betty Richardson, 96, of Salem, VA, passed away peacefully on June 19th, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of service, kindness, and devotion to family, faith, and community.
Born in 1928 to John Henry Oyler and Annie Laura Robertson Oyler, Madeline lived a life marked by hard work and heartfelt generosity. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 62 years, Wilson Price Richardson, with whom she shared a life of dedication and purpose.
Madeline was a proud and active member of Fort Lewis Christian Church since 1973, where she served faithfully as an elder, trustee, and board member. Over the decades, she poured her energy into countless church initiatives: starting and leading yard sales that accumulated over $100,000, organizing church dinners, coordinating blood drives, managing the church hotline, and helping plan the new sanctuary celebration. She also served at Fort Lewis Elementary and was a regular Sunday School attendee until the onset of COVID-19.
Her community involvement extended well beyond the church. Madeline volunteered with the Red Cross for 55 years, was an active member of the Over 55 Club, and participated in the Wabun Social Club, where her creativity and generosity shone through sewing flower sacks into pillowcases.
Professionally, Madeline worked as a seamstress at Maid Bess and later as a beloved cafeteria lady at Salem High School, where she was known for her care and especially for the salad bar she ran for many years.
Madeline loved baking and gardening and was famous among her family and friends for her pound cakes, peanut butter fingers, canned tomatoes and green beans, and her cooked apples. Bowling brought her joy, as did spending time with her family and friends, with tea parties included.
She is survived by her devoted son and daughter-in-law, Oakley “Price” Richardson and Diane Garnett Richardson, and her cherished special family friends Barbara Garnett and Harry Norris. Her memory lives on in her grandchildren: Brent (Vickie), Kevin (Melissa), and Angela (Brian Kosko); great-grandchildren: Samantha (Josiah Cook), Cody McGlothlin, Kaitlyn, Nathan, Madelyn, and Mackenzie Richardson, and Alyssa Kosko; and one great-great-grandson, Ezekiel Cook.
The family will receive friends at Lotz Funeral Home in Salem on Monday, June 23, 2025 from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm. A funeral service will follow in the chapel of Lotz Funeral Home at 1:00 pm. Burial will be in Sherwood Memorial Park.
Madeline’s life was a testament to servant leadership, quiet strength, and deep love. She will be missed dearly by all who knew her.
Her family would also love to express a strong gratitude and appreciation to the nurses and staff at Brookdale Senior Living in Salem, along with special acquaintances Roger and Donna Hines for the countless hours of dedication and care they provided for her.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Fort Lewis Christian Church building fund.
