Ginny Richards: Honoring her Lasting Legacy
- Oct 1, 2016
- 3 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Virgina Harth Richards died on Sunday, April 24, 2016. Ginny was born July 27, 1923, in Ponca City, Oklahoma, to Alice Miller Harth and Dr. Charles Pittman. After graduating from Central High School in Tulsa, she attended Monticello Junior College in Alton, Ill., and graduated from the University of Tulsa with a degree in botany. She was a member of Delta Delta Delta and the Mortar Board. In 1943, she married John Richards. After completing his military service, they moved to Midland and then to Fort Worth in 1951. Ginny was active in the community serving on many boards and being involved in community groups, including Day Care of Fort Worth (now Child Advocates), Fort Worth Nature Center, Fort Worth Camp Fire Girls, United Way of Fort Worth, Family Services of Fort Worth, Women’s Center, Parenting Guidance Center, Junior League of Fort Worth, Fort Worth Children’s Museum and Streams and Valleys. She was a 30-year volunteer at John Peter Smith Hospital and served as president of Tarrant Area Community of Churches. With Martine Ginsburg, she co-founded Gill Children’s Services. In 1975, she received the Hercules Award from the United Way for her volunteer work in Fort Worth and received the Hand in Hand award from the Parenting Center in 2009. She attended First Presbyterian Church where she was an elder and a teacher. She attended Brite Divinity School for many years studying Hebrew. The family would like to give a special thanks to Judi Williams, Frances Flinn, Karen Williams, Josephine Dobbins, Naomi Johnson and Dr. Robert Kelly. Survivors: Ginny is survived by her daughters, Elizabeth Ray (Paul), Trudy Welke (Bob), both of Fort Worth, and Lucy Richards of Dallas; her grandchildren, Paul Ray III, John Ray, Alice Collins, Virginia Allen, Ward Welke, Kate Neary-Pounds and Ashley Martens; and 14 great-grandchildren.
A Message from the Board President
It was a great honor to assume the role of President for Gill Children’s Services last May. As a board member for the past 11
years, I have seen so many lives change with Gill’s assistance. Our organization is strong, built on a foundation of giving to those who have nowhere else to turn. I will continue this mission as I serve our Board
and the children of Tarrant County.
Gill has relied on the leadership of
its founders, Martine Ginsburg and
Ginny Richards, since its inception 37
years ago. Although we are saddened
by the passing of Martine in 2012
and Ginny this April, we are also
strengthened in our resolve to fulfill
their mission. It was through their
commitment and leadership that
Gill has been able to continuously
serve the unmet needs of children in Tarrant County. Ginny remained an active member of our Board of Directors until shortly before her death. What an honor it is to continue
their legacy.
Little did I realize as a young mother with four children, watching Ginny and her husband, John, walking our neighborhood with their beloved dog, that I would one day serve on the Board of an organization that she started! Ginny’s quiet servant heart is something I had
admired for years. She put others before herself and served on many community boards, including the Women’s Center of Tarrant County and Parenting Center. Mothers
and children were always in the forefront of her thoughts. Her legacy of service will live long after she is gone. It is our job to fulfill her wishes here at Gill Children’s Services.
Our Board of Directors is a group of dedicated individuals. Our goal is to continue to provide a safety net for children in need. It is through your donations that we are able to serve the unmet needs of children. Thank you, Donors, for your continued support and faith in Gill and the services that they are able to provide. We look forward to the future and continuing Martine and Ginny’s commitment to our mission.
