Joan Richards

Joan Richards, 93, of Grandoe Lane, Gloversville, passed away on Sunday, August 16, 2026, at Nathan Littauer Hospital, after a short illness, with family by her side. She was born in Gloversville on October 29, 1932, the youngest daughter of John and Helen Scheidig Barthe. Joan was a 1951 graduate of Gloversville High School and was a lifelong area resident. Joan’s career began in retail at the former Jack and Jill Shop in Gloversville. She later worked at Ideal Kiddie Shop, eventually becoming its owner and renaming it Joan’s Ideal Kiddie Shop, which she proudly owned and operated for more than 10 years. Joan also worked at Alban Hills Golf Course and most recently was an adult caregiver for several local families. She was a member of the former St. James Lutheran Church in Gloversville. Joan was a member of Christ Lutheran Church in Johnstown and the Gloversville Free Methodist Church. She was a longtime volunteer of Gloversville Free Methodist Center of Hope Food Pantry and was the most senior member of the Gloversville Women’s Alumni Club. Joan was an immaculate housekeeper, so much so that the term “Joaning” was coined to describe her impeccable attention to detail and care for her home. She was well known for her love of shopping and decorating her home, both inside and out – especially during the holidays. Joan enjoyed hosting garage sales, car rides, happy hour, Bingo, and a good card game. She also loved traveling to Myrtle Beach to visit family and most of all, enjoyed spending time with family and friends. In high school, Joan was voted “Best Dressed”, a distinction she carried with her throughout her life. In addition to her parents, Joan was predeceased by her stepfather, Louis Brideau; the father of her children, Robert Richards, Sr.; and two sisters, Charlotte Young and Helen Strathaus. Survivors include six children, Karla Putman and her husband Eric Waffle of Northville, Lana (Michael) Ruggiero of Gloversville, Robert Richards, Jr. of Sacramento, CA, Jed Richards of Mammoth Lakes, CA, Tamie (Todd) Fancher of Goldsboro, NC, and Adriene (Kyle) Cotugno of Mayfield; a sister, Clara Albanese of Johnstown; eleven grandchildren, Brianna (Steve) Hurlbut, Ryan (Kayla) Putman, Karriann Ruggiero, Kristi (Zach) Cast, Robert (Kara) Ruggiero, Max Richards, Vincent Riebling, Michael and Sierra Fancher, and Kylie and Korey Cotugno; five great-grandchildren, Michaela, Olivia, Patrick, Callie, Sawyer; and several nieces and nephews. Calling hours will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2026, from 10am – noon at the Robert M. Halgas Funeral Home, Inc. 111 County Highway 106 (Corner of Route 29 & Black Street), Johnstown. A funeral service will follow at noon at the funeral home with Rev. Roger Behrens, officiating. Interment will be in Prospect Hill Cemetery, Gloversville. Memorial contributions may be made to Gloversville Free Methodist Center of Hope Food Pantry or to the Gloversville Women’s Alumni Club, in care of the funeral home.

Joan Richards

October 29, 1932 - August 16, 2026

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Joan Richards

October 29, 1932 - August 16, 2026

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

365 Days of Grief Support