Linda Richardson

Linda Louise Richardson, 78, of Bolivar, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at her home, surrounded by the love of her family.

Linda was born on October 26, 1947, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Harold and Colleen Christman. She was raised in Prairie Village, Kansas, and later moved to Liberty, Missouri, where she graduated in 1966.

A survivor of polio since the age of five, Linda faced lifelong health challenges with strength and determination. In later years, she continued that fight against post-polio syndrome, as well as other health issues, always showing resilience and grace.

Linda found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved gardening and took great pride in caring for her flowers. She enjoyed reading and researching, always eager to learn something new. She also cherished time spent camping with family and friends as a member of the Good Sam’s Camping Club. Some of her favorite moments were spent watching butterflies, hummingbirds, and deer.

On March 17, 2026, Linda passed peacefully at home with her devoted husband of 50 years, Ricky Richardson, by her side. In her final days, she was surrounded by family and neighbors whose care and compassion brought her comfort as she courageously faced cancer and cardiac illness.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Colleen Christman; her infant brother, James Harold Christman; and her son-in-law, Chad Pyle.

Linda is survived by her loving husband, Ricky Richardson of Bolivar, Missouri; her daughters, Tanya Richardson and fiancé Eric Clark of Lebanon, Missouri, and Christy Pyle of Stockton, Missouri; her son, Tim Coe and wife Amy of Stockton, Missouri; eight grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren, with one more on the way.

A special poem written from the heart with love by Linda's granddaughter, Stephanie Colleen:

1. I will think of you in every bowl of Raisin Bran especially the ones with bananas, the way you used to cut them up for me so I can put it in my bowl. And in those moments, you told me stories about your life, and I felt like I was there with you watching you grow into the person you were. And when it was my turn, you listened in silence you let me gossip about school and friends and just life. 
2. I will think of you in every floral dress I wear, like the ones you and Grandpa chose for me before church on Sunday mornings.
3. I will think of you in the soft hum of a hummingbird’s wings, and in every butterfly.
4. I will think of you in blooming gardens, in the quiet beauty of growing things, and in the warmth of hot cider held between my hands. 
5. I will think of you when I watch Murder, She Wrote, NCIS, and hear the comfort of “just one more thing,” from Colombo like you’re still right beside me.
6. I will think of you in perfume pages pressed between magazines, and how you used to collect them.
7. I will think of you every time I see a woman in a scarf, wrapped in softness and grace, the way you carried yourself. 
8. I will think of you in all the quiet, ordinary moments the ones that now feel sacred because they were once ours. 
9. I will think of you often. 
10. In a hundred small ways, in a thousand passing moments. And because of that you will never be forgotten.

In Lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider making a donation to the Post Polio Syndrome Foundation.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Midwest Cremation and Funeral Services of Springfield, MO.