Genelle

Richey

Louise Genelle Richey was born on April 13, 1930, in Blanchard, Oklahoma.  She passed away in Oklahoma City on August 12, 2024, at the age of 94.  Genelle's parents were Bud and May Mitchell Bayless.

Genelle graduated from Blanchard High School in 1948 and then attended college, graduating from the Oklahoma College for Women.  Mrs. Richey began her teaching career at Middleberg where she took the bus back and forth to work.  She eventually returned to Blanchard Public Schools where she completed 63 years of teaching High School English!

Roley and Genelle Richey were married on November 21, 1953.  They made their home in Blanchard where they raised their three children, Robbie, Jane and Scott.

Her parents, husband, and sister, Kathryn Bayless, preceded her in death as did her son, Roley Scott Richey and Robbie's husband, Patrick Canada.  Also passing before her were her brothers- in-law, Edward and Jimmy Richey, and a sister-in-law, Mona Raye Richey.

Survivors include two daughters, Robbie Canada and Jane Brewer and husband, Jess; her four grandchildren were the light of her life, Kristin Owens, Chelsea Moore and her husband Matt, Clay Richey and John Richey.  Her great- grandkids were a source of laughter and love; they include Bennett Owens, Thatcher Owens, Julia Moore and her namesake, Amelia Louise Moore.  They truly loved their GIGI.

She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Reverend Jack Richey, two sisters-in-law, Letha Richey and Kay Richey and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, and thousands of students who mourn her loss.

Genelle Richey was the quintessential teacher.  She handled her classes with a firm hand and a twinkle in her eye.  Her hearing ability has been compared to that of an elephant.  Even the slightest whisper on the back row of the classroom was noticed.  Mrs. Richey received many accolades for her teaching and community service while inspiring students for decades.  As Doyle Greteman wrote, "She was wisdom, grace, hope, and love wrapped up in one package."

A lifelong member of the Blanchard First Baptist Church, she held the distinction of being the longest continuous member of the church.

Genelle was inducted into the Blanchard Education Foundation.  She also Received the Heart of the Lion Award from the Blanchard Alumni, and Outstanding Woman in Oklahoma by the DAR among awards.  Genelle Richey was a loyal and proud member of the BLANHARD OLD GUARD!

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM, Friday, August 16, 2024, at First Baptist Church in Blanchard with Mike Whaley officiating.  EVERONE is invited to attend a reception at the church's Fellowship Hall following the service  to visit with family and friends and enjoy chocolate cake, Genelle's favorite dessert.  A private family burial will be held in the Blanchard Cemetery.  Arrangements are under the direction of Eisenhour Funeral Home of Blanchard.  Online obituary and guestbook are available at www.eisenhourfh.com.  Memorials in her honor may be made o the Blanchard Alumni Association, P.O. Box 832 Blanchard, Oklahoma 73010 or to the First Baptist Church of Blanchard.