Carol Kay Richard

Carol Kay Richard age 80 of Cedar Springs died Tuesday, November 26, 2024 at Trillium Woods Faith Hospice in Byron Center and has been healed in her heavenly home. Carol was born November 14, 1944 in Grand Rapids the daughter of Paul and Opal (Wilson) Grannis. Her flair for adventure took her as the assistant guide on river trips with Larry, where she provided meals for the group cooked over an open fire. Providing for the underprivileged was a theme of Carol’s life work. Teaching special education, developing and running non-profit day care centers and then she retired from Red Oak Management in 2023. Thanks to Carol’s love and dedication, Red Oak continues to provide affordable housing to over 1500 families throughout Michigan today. Carol will be remembered for her style for seasonal decorating, love of holidays, specially chosen Christmas ornaments and gifts. Everyone remember to “Fluff out your Christmas trees-no holes!” Her cards arrived in the mail filled with confetti. She was known to many as “Aunt Carol”. Surviving are her husband, Larry; step daughter, Devon; grandsons, Torrey, Henry; siblings, Ted (Darlene) Grannis, Lynne Zank, Joann (Richard) Surdam; nieces and nephews, Heidi (Steve) Reed, Hod (Kris) Zank, Dave Wolfe, Mandy (Kevin) Green, Cory (Jessica) Surdam, Betsy (Justin) Stein, Cassie (Brian) Hoffman, Michael Grannis, Emily Shaw; several great nieces and nephews; in-laws, Paul (Julia) Richard. She was preceded in death by step daughter, Trina Hayes, niece, Heather Wolfe. The family will greet friends 4 – 7 pm Monday, Dec. 2 at K.E. Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. A graveside service will be held 12:00 pm, Tuesday, Dec. 3 at East Nelson Cemetery. Please meet at the cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Assure Family Center, 6 N First St. Cedar Springs, MI 49319.