After 96 years of a life well lived, Karen Richards passed away peacefully on December 13, 2017. Born in Gorlose, Denmark on July 21, 1921, to Erland and Karen Larsen Andersen, Karen was the eldest of eight children in a farming family. Near the end of WWII she met her husband Harold Richards, a handsome British paratrooper engaged in the liberation of Denmark from Nazi occupation. Their 43 year journey together led them to Canada, Detroit, and finally to the southern states of Mississippi and Arkansas until his death in 1990. After raising three children, Karen continued her education to begin a career as a public health nurse with the West Memphis Health Department, retiring after 15 years of service.

Karen leaves her children Elayne Hurt Carrier (Randall) of Memphis, Wanda Richards (Stro Asquith) of Germantown, Carl Richards (Ardys), sailing the seas on the "Northern Star," and one surviving brother - Peter Andersen of British Colombia, Canada. She will be remembered fondly as the Best Grandma Ever by her six grandchildren - Karen and Brian Richards, Bradley Hurt, Natalie Hurt Birch (Joseph), and Justin and Hayden Asquith. Her trademark smile and optimism will be forever in our hearts.

A family memorial tribute will be held at a later date. Arrangements handled by Forest Hill East.