Dorothy I. Richards

Bartow - Dorothy I. Richards, age 77, passed away on March 30, 2026, at Astoria Health and Rehabilitation Center in Winter Haven. She was born on May 30, 1948, in Bartow, FL. She worked in Finance for the Polk County Board of County Commissioners. She enjoyed dancing, singing, listening to music, and spending time with her animals. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and family. She will also be remembered for being hard-working, generous, and fun-loving. She was preceded in death by her husband Eugene T. Richards, brother Douglas Newman and sisters Victoria O'Neal & Debbie Ray. She is survived by her daughters Candy Carr & Tammy Martin ,son Von Persinger, grandchildren Katlynn Persinger, Summer Persinger, Brooklyn Persinger, Robert Martin, Jonathan Craig & William Lee, 6 great grandchildren, sister Robbie Newman, 3 nieces and 1 nephew. Family will receive friends on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM at Whidden-McLean Funeral Home, Bartow. Graveside Service will be held Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Wildwood Cemetery. Condolences to family at www.whiddenmcleanfuneralhome.com