Pamela Sue "Pam" Richards

Pamela Sue Richards, affectionately known as Pam, passed away peacefully at her home in Republic, Missouri, on November 10, 2026, at the age of 72.

Pam was born on December 29, 1953, in Coffeyville, Kansas, to Fred and Doris Johnson. She graduated from Humboldt High School in Humboldt, Kansas, and later completed a concentrated missions course at Baptist Bible College in Springfield, Missouri.

In 1972, Pam met the love of her life, J.A. Richards, in the Oswego welfare office (where they were working, not applying). On August 31st, 1973, they married in Oswego, KS, beginning 53 years of a remarkable life together.

Pam’s life was marked by her love for the Lord, her devotion to her family, and her commitment to serving others through ministry. East Side Baptist Church in Topeka, Kansas, became her home church, where in 1984 they surrendered to God’s call to be missionaries.

In May 1988, J.A. and Pam were approved as missionaries through the Baptist Bible Fellowship International. They arrived on the mission field of Wales on J.A.’s birthday in September 1989, beginning what would become twelve and a half years of ministry in the Colwyn Bay area of North Wales. They later moved south to Cardiff, the capital of Wales, where they continued ministering in several churches and faithfully served until retiring due to health issues. After nearly three decades of ministry in Wales, they returned to the United States in September 2018.

Following their return, J.A. and Pam continued their ministry by serving in Capitol City Church and Life Change Church in Des Moines, Iowa. In June of 2026, they found their dream home in Republic, Missouri and currently attend Park Crest Baptist Church in Springfield.

Beyond her ministry, Pam enjoyed many things that brought joy to her life. She had a special love for plants and gardening, enjoyed volunteering in children’s ministries, and especially loved planning events and bringing people together. Most of all she loved spending time with her grandchildren, although she appreciated the joy of sending them home. She was also a devoted Kansas City Chiefs fan (but not as much a fan of the refs).

Above all, Pam leaves behind a legacy of faithfulness, love, and service. Her willingness to follow God’s call, even across the ocean, reflects a life committed to serving God. Her influence will continue through the family she loved, the churches she served, and the many lives changed through her years of ministry.

Pam is survived by her loving husband, J.A. Richards of Republic, Missouri; her son, Jason Richards and wife, Sarah, of Des Moines, Iowa; and her daughter, Jaime Owens and husband, Rick, of Snyder, Texas. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Adelyn, Everly, Colwyn, and Rafe Richards of Iowa; Alex, Austin, Morgan, and Micah Owens of Texas; and her great-granddaughter, Lacey Jane Davis of Independence, Missouri. She is also survived by her brother, Greg Johnson of Los Angeles, California.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Doris Johnson, and her daughter, Kimberly Richards.

Pam will lie in state and the family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 17, 2026 at Dove Southeast Chapel, 2843 SE Minnesota Ave., Topeka, Kansas 66605.

The funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 18, 2026, at East Side Baptist Church in Topeka, Kansas. A graveside service will follow at 4:00 p.m. at Oswego Cemetery in Oswego, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the East Side Baptist Church Missions Fund c/o East Side Baptist Church, 4425 SE 29th St., Topeka, Kansas 66605 or donate online at esbcks.org.

Pam’s life was a testimony to the faithfulness of God and the joy of serving Him. Though she will be deeply missed by those who loved her, her legacy of faith, family, and missionary service will live on in the hearts and lives of all who knew her.

To leave the family a special message online, please visit www.DoveTopeka.com.