Obituary of Connie S. Richards

Connie S. Richards, age 74, of Iowa City, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 5, 2025, at Lantern Park Care Center, surrounded by the love of her family.

A funeral service to honor and celebrate Connie’s life will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, May 9, 2025, at Gay and Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City, Iowa. Visitation will take place from 9:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. Friday at the funeral home. A private family burial will follow at Oakland Cemetery.

Connie was born on November 15, 1950, at Marengo Memorial Hospital, the daughter of Edward and Audrey (Smith) Petz. She grew up in Williamsburg, where she formed memories with her siblings and friends. On September 13, 1969, she married Ira Robert “Bob” Richards, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Williamsburg. Together, they built a warm and welcoming home where family and friends always felt cared for.

Connie was a devoted wife, mother, sister, and friend. While staying home to raise her own children, she also provided in-home daycare for many years. Later, she worked as a receptionist at Big Ten Towing and Plumbers Supply, where her kindness and reliability left a lasting impression.

Her home was often filled with the comforting aroma of her famous fried chicken, pork chops, or roast beef dinners. Connie found joy in the little things—cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes (especially Caitlin Clark), watching Lifetime Original movies, and spending time with loved ones. She was the kind of person who never hesitated to lend a helping hand or offer a listening ear. Her strength, compassion, and unwavering support were constants in the lives of those who knew her.

Above all, Connie adored her family. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Bob; her daughter Christine (Kelly) Farley of Aurora, IL; her son Michael of Iowa City; siblings Annette (Nick) Smith of Alvord, TX, Joe Petz (Linette Lacina) of Williamsburg, Angie (Craig) Cochran of West Branch, Dave Petz (Sandy Jones) of Williamsburg; sisters-in-law Barb Petz and Brenda Petz; her special Aunt Viola; many nieces and nephews; and her grandpuppy, Cooper.

She is preceded in death by her parents; grandchildren Katie Farley and Noah Farley; brothers James, Duane, Lyle, Denny, and Rick Petz; and grandpuppy, Buddy.

Though Connie's absence leaves a deep void, her love, laughter, and generous heart live on in all who were fortunate enough to know her.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Connie Richards Memorial Fund, and can be mailed to the Gay & Ciha Funeral Home C/O Connie Richards, 2720 Muscatine Avenue, Iowa City, Iowa 52245.