Shelly Richardson

Our loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, niece, cousin and friend, Shelly, left us on June 6, 2025.

Wauneta Michelle “Shelly” Richardson was born July 8, 1964 in Stratton, Nebraska to Robert LeRoy Turpin and Geraldine Gay (McEvoy) Turpin. Shelly, as she preferred to be called, had three siblings, Robert Francis, Tonya Sue and her so-called “spoiled” little brother Vincent Norris.

Shelly attended and graduated from Stratton Public School in 1982 and then attended college in McCook.

On July 3, 1982 she was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart, Jay Richardson, her JAYBIRD. To this marriage they welcomed their two sons, James and Jordan. She was both a loving and protective mother. Jay and Shelly were together until her passing and with an unwavering love for each other, they were truly inseparable.

Shelly had several jobs over the years including waitressing, cashiering at the pharmacy and Country Gas, working for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, doing books for people, working for H&R Block and her Station that she ran until her passing.

Shelly was the BOSS when it came to family and we all knew not to question it. She enjoyed helping others that may be down on their luck, or anyone who needed it.

She was very proud of her grandchildren: Taylor, Jacob, Dana, Joseph and Chastity. She always had a story to tell them. There was never a question of who would be cooking holiday meals. You just knew you were going to Shelly and Jay’s place.

She will be missed more than words can express and will never be forgotten.

Shelly is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Geraldine Turpin; her father and mother-in-law, James and Patricia Richardson; brother-in-law, James Richardson II; grandparents, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Shelly is survived by her loving husband, Jay Richardson, of Stratton; sons, James Richardson and his wife, Brittnay of Atwood, Kansas and Jordan Richardson of Stratton; grandchildren: Taylor, Jacob, Dana, Joseph, and Chastity; siblings: Robert Turpin and wife, Tammy of Trenton, Nebraska, Tonya Anderson and husband, Kayle of Trenton, Vince Turpin and wife, Shauna of Benkelman, Nebraska; brothers-in-laws: John Richardson and wife, Mickey of Stratton and Joel Richardson and wife, Cindy of Stratton; and sister-in-law: Janet Messinger of Lincoln, Nebraska.

A Celebration of Life will be held on June 21, 2025 at 3:00 PM at the Lake View Lodge in Stratton. A private family burial will be held at a later date.

Memorials are suggested to the family of Shelly Richardson for later designation. Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.