Charlene Richards

Charlene Richards, age 62 of Mansfield, Ohio, passed away unexpectedly on March 11, 2026, at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Born on July 2, 1963, in Orange County, California, to the late Charles and Gloria Moats, Charlene had been a resident of Shelby for more than 30 years. She earned her LPN from North Central State College in Mansfield in 2007 and worked as a nurse with TLC Home Health Care until her retirement in 2018. Her path into nursing was deeply personal; after her son Kyle was born with a medical condition requiring constant care, she devoted herself to learning how to meet his needs. For 33 years, she cared for him with extraordinary dedication, compassion, and strength as both a mother and a nurse.

Charlene found joy in simple pleasures. She loved being outdoors, especially fishing, and had a remarkable green thumb, tending a lush vegetable garden that supplied her family with fresh produce for many homemade meals. She enjoyed thrift shopping, cherished her dogs, and lived each day guided by a deep and unwavering faith. Her devotionals and scripture reading were central to her life, and she lovingly shared her beliefs with her children. She had a special gift for nurturing young hearts, teaching children about faith, kindness, and compassion, and opened her home for many years as a foster parent to children in need.

Above all, family was the center of Charlene’s world. She treasured every moment with her grandchildren, whether playing Yahtzee, making crafts, or simply being together. She is survived by her husband, James Richards, whom she married on January 3, 2005; her children, Aaron (Tracy) Gangi of Akron, Kimberly Gangi of Mansfield, Josh Gangi of Ashland, Houston Richards of Mansfield, and Jordan Richards of Mansfield; 15 grandchildren, Giovanni, Alisandra, Adriana, Ilario, Griffin, Bridgette, Sophia, Milena, Savannah, Alice, Anabella, Natalya, Dominic, Jadyn, and Audrey; and her siblings, Julie (Mark) Haggith and Charles Moats Jr., both of Lebanon, Missouri. She was preceded in death by her son Kyle Gangi in 2018. Her thoughtful and caring spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.