Obituary for Mary “Elaine” Richardson

Mary “Elaine” Richardson

May 15, 1952 – December 13, 2020

Mary “Elaine” Richardson traveled on to be with her Lord on Sunday, December 13, 2020. She was at home in Ponca City, surrounded by several family members at the time of her passing. Elaine loved the Christmas season because of all the lights, but she really loved when it snowed. And after waiting for several years for it to snow the Lord opened his gates by providing a heavy snowy day.

A celebration of her life will be held at Trout Funeral Chapel in Ponca City on Saturday, December 19th at 1pm with Brian Friend officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home & Crematory. The broadcast can be accessed by visiting www.troutfuneralhome.com between 12:45pm and 1pm, and select the live stream link in the upper right hand of Trout’s home page.

Elaine was born on May 15, 1952 in Bartlesville to Woodrow and Inez (Cantrel) Bratten. Elaine grew up in Bartlesville, graduating from College High School in 1970. She went on to further her education, obtaining her associates degree from Northeastern A&M College in Miami in 1972. While in Miami she met her future husband. On May 25, 1973, Elaine married Thomas Jesse Richardson in Bartlesville at the First Christian Church. They celebrated their 47th anniversary this year by taking a three week long RV trip to Tennessee.

Because of her husband’s job with Phillips Pipe line she also had to move seven times to six different states. Elaine’s degree was in child education but because of the constant moving, along with having two kids at home, she never became a teacher. At first she worked in the banking industry but ended up enjoying being a teachers aid at various schools.

Everyone who met Elaine could not help but love her caring personality. She cared about your feelings and could naturally comfort anyone no matter what their burden with her infectious smile. Elaine cherished spending time with her entire family, making memories of love and laughter. One of Elaine’s greatest joys were her two children. She raised two wonderful kids who got to experience “unique events” that most people would never think of doing. She always wanted to show them everything possible. Chad and Christie provided her an outlet to be a kid herself and she actually wore them out before she tired out. Later Elaine’s kids provided her with three wonderful grandchildren, Talon, Malakai and Haven. Each grandchild then became Elaine’s focus to relive all the fun and excitement she had experienced with her children.

Elaine was preceded in death by her parents, Woodrow and Inez Bratten. She is survived by her husband Thomas Richardson of the home, son Chad Thornbrough of Ponca City, OK, daughter Christie Thornbrough of Skiatok, OK, brother Steve Bratten of Corpus Christi, TX, sisters Suzi Birminsham of Bartlesville, OK and Jeanne Gay of Skiatok, OK.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105. We invite you to leave a message of condolence, expression of sympathy or perhaps share a memory of Elaine at www.troutfuneralhome.com

Source: Trout Funeral Home