Former Fayette resident Mary Helen Richardson died at the Ray County Memorial Hospital in Richmond,  on Sunday (Nov. 29, 2009). She was 90.

Born on Sept. 21, 1919, in Seattle, Wash., she was the daughter of Bill and Henrietta (Smallwood) Cone. She graduated from Marshall High School, where she enjoyed playing violin in the community orchestra. She married John H. Richardson on May 2, 1941.  He preceded her in death on Jan. 27, 1985.

The family lived in Slater for many years where she was a member of the First Methodist Church and the Busy Bee Circle. She also taught kindergarten and served as a Brownie and Girl Scout Leader. When John retired from the railroad they moved to Fayette where she was a member of Linn Memorial Church and later the First Baptist Church. She also was an active member of Harriett Lawrence Garden Club, the M and M Club, and Friends and Neighbors Extension Club. Throughout her life she enjoyed her family and friends and the time she spent in her flower gardens.

Survivors include one sister, Betty Warren , Carrollton; two daughters, Mary Ann Simpson,  Polo, Mo., and Connie Newman, Fayette; one son-in-law, Robert Simpson; two grandchildren and spouses, Glenn and Shelly  Lakenburger, Smithville, Mo., Todd and Dawn Simpson, Overland Park, Kan.; and three great-grandchildren, Paige and Jake Lakenburger, and Haley Simpson. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Bob and Bill Cone, and a granddaughter, Rebecca Lynn Newman.

Services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday with the Rev. Robert Simpson officiating. Visitation will be held one hour before the service. Both the service and visitation will be held at Friemonth-Freese Funeral Chapel in Fayette. Following the service, a burial will be held at Gilliam Cemetery with Ken Warren, Ron Miller, Dave Teeter, Elbert Hoard, Dr. Richard Taylor, and Stuart Simpson serving as pallbearers.

Memorials may be made to the Fayette Food Pantry or to the First Baptist Church of Fayette, in care of Frie-month-Freese Funeral Service, 174 Hwy 5 & 240 N., Fayette, MO 65248.