Surrounded by her devoted family, Gloria Ann Richards, 70, of Crisfield, MD was welcomed to her heavenly home on Tuesday, May 27, 2008, after a long-term illness.

Born in Crisfield on February 4, 1938, she was the daughter of the late Sherman Milbourne and the late Martha Coulbourne Milbourne. In 1955, she married the love of her life, Ralph Wesley Richards Sr., who preceded her in death November of 1993.

From the age of 17, she made her lifelong career as a homemaker for her husband and eight children. Her passions in life were living a Christian lifestyle and her family. She was known to her family and friends as a godly woman who could be counted on for prayer, love, and support. She was a member of the Crisfield Church of God. She dearly loved her church family and will be significantly missed by all.

She is survived by her children, Martha Townsend and husband Robin, Nancy Giordano and husband Paul Sr., all of Fruitland, Ralph Richards, Jr., and wife Sharon, Doris Howlett and husband Timothy Sr., David Richards and wife Kim, Mary Blades and Tom Wallace, Faith Daum and husband Robbie, and Becky Richards all of Crisfield; and sixteen grandchildren, Zach Townsend, Paul Jr. and Megan Giordano, Stephanie, Samantha, and Ralph III Richards, Beth, Brittany, and Timothy Jr. Howlett, Amanda Richards, Gabriella and Brion Jr. Blades, Benjamin and Rebekah Daum, Nathan Whittington and Ethan Richards. She also is survived by a sister in Tennessee, Gladys McCready; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Along with her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a sister, Doris Rudy and husband John Rudy of Pennsylvania, and a brother-in-law, The Rev. Ralph McCready of Tennessee, and two infant brothers.

A viewing will be held Friday, May 30, 2008 from 7 PM to 9 PM at Bradshaw and Sons Funeral Home in Crisfield. Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 31, 2008 at 2:00PM at the Crisfield Church of God in Crisfield where friends may also call one hour prior to the service. The Rev. Philip Morris will officiate. Interment will follow in Crisfield Cemetery.

Memorial contributions are requested to be sent to Lower Somerset County Ambulance and Rescue Squad, LSCARS, P.O. Box 406, Crisfield, MD 21817.

Arrangements are in care of Bradshaw and Sons Funeral Home in Crisfield. To send condolences to the family, please visit www.bradshawandsonsfuneralhome.com.