Carol Richardson

Carol Richardson, 62, of Huntertown, passed away at her home on October 16, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Born on August 20, 1964, she was the daughter of the late Ronald Lee and Pauline Elizabeth (Weimer) Milleman. Carol graduated from Carroll High School in 1982 and completed her Bachelor's degree from Concordia University of Wisconsin in 2000. Carol dedicated her career to technology and administration. She served as a Data Center Manager for GTE, Verizon, and Frontier in Fort Wayne, IN, from 1986 to 2012. She then joined Shambaugh and Sons as an Executive Assistant, where she continued to share her talents, dedication, and leadership.

Outside of work, Carol enjoyed gardening and canning and was very active in 4-H with her 2 daughters as they grew up. She was instrumental in their achievements as State Champion produce award winners. As the grandchildren arrived, they became her greatest joy. She especially cherished the vacations in Florida at Siesta Key with her four grandchildren (Brinley Yoder, Kennedy Yoder, Garrett Yoder, and Annaleigh Brames). She also loved attending their ball games and taking camping trips together. Carol instilled in her grandchildren the importance of perseverance, determination, hard work, and the Christian values she demonstrated throughout her own life.

After high school, Carol and her sister, Susan, played competitive slow pitch softball for Valspar Paints in the Fort Wayne Women's League. Her determination on the ball diamond reinforced her commitment to always doing her best in everything she undertook. On Valentine's Day (14 Feb 1987), Matt and Carol were married and 4 years later welcomed their first daughter, Abigale Lee. Soon to follow was Casey Rose less than 3 years later. They were great parents who instilled a strong work ethic and dedication to every detail.

Matt and Carol built their forever home on ten acres outside Huntertown and soon became expert hosts for most family holidays, as well as the wedding receptions for both their daughters at the Richardson's Barn and Cannery. They transformed this venue into a beautiful wedding venue, under a tulle-lit wagon wheel. They enjoyed growing a variety of fruits and vegetables in their orchard and garden. In fact, the seed for their sweet corn is a family secret, but they freely share their crop with anyone who wants to sample. A family favorite was her amazing cinnamon-spiced candy apples, made with ordinary cucumbers. Carol was a master creator with her Cricut machine and never shied away from any challenge. She once duplicated a school logo on a high school swimsuit so well it was impossible to distinguish from the original. All who knew Carol will miss her fighting spirit coupled with the toughness of a Navy SEAL. She was devoted to her family, and these qualities will continue to inspire those who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her loving husband, Matt Richardson; her daughters, Abbie (Jared) Yoder and Casey (James) Brames; her brother, Dr. Jeffery (Dr. Kim) Milleman; her sister, Kris (Mark) Fisher; her brothers-in-law, Thomas Papaik and Mike Hursh; and her beloved grandchildren, Brinley, Kennedy, Garrett, and Annaleigh.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Ronda Hursh and Susan Papaik.

Calling will be held at St. John's Lutheran Church in Lake Township on Thursday, October 22, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.A funeral service will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 23, 2026, at the church, with calling beginning at 9:00 a.m.

Carol's love for her family, her quiet strength, and her enduring example of perseverance will remain in the hearts of those who loved her. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.