To local educational members of Clare and Gladwin county,
It is with a heavy heart that I share some very sad news with you all. Our esteemed Board of Education President, Barbara “Barb” Richards, died on Friday, November 4th. A passionate community advocate, wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and well-respected colleague, Barb has been a pillar of both Clare and Gladwin county.
Throughout her years of service as CGRESD Board of Education member, Barb worked with countless staff, educational leaders, and the community to uphold the mission of CGRESD. As Board of Education president, she has navigated budget cuts, staffing shortages, a pandemic, and other challenges with grace and perseverance to ensure the children and families of Clare and Gladwin county have access to exemplary educational services. Together with CGRESD staff, Barb’s visionary ideas led to the expansion of many critical programs and supports. From construction of the Magnus Center, expansion of career technical programming, to facilitating key renovations at the Area School and Administrative office and supporting growth within CGRESD staff, Barb’s influence shines throughout the reputation of CGRESD as an organization of integrity, respect, and belonging.
To celebrate Barb’s life, the family will receive visitors on November 18, 2022, 2-8PM, at the Clark-Stocking Funeral Chapel, 165 W. Oak Street, Harrison, MI. Funeral services will be held on November 19, 11AM, at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Harrison, MI, with a luncheon to follow at Clark-Stocking Funeral Chapel. You can view Barb’s obituary by visiting: https://memorials.clarkstocking.com/barbara-richards/5061885/index.php
Barb was a vital member of our school community and she will be missed dearly.
With sympathy,
Tara Mager
Superintendent, Clare-Gladwin RESD