Freda Ruth “Nanny” Haston Richardson

Freda Ruth “Nanny” (Haston) Richardson, an inspiration to all who knew her, died at 89 years old on May 22, 2012 at Lawnwood Regional Medical Center in Ft. Pierce, Florida. She was born on December 19, 1922 in Cold Springs to Frank Haston and Flora Sue Gentry Haston. 

She resided for 55 years in Ft. Pierce, Florida where she followed her calling by lovingly caring for many generations of children in her home. She had a servant’s heart. Her door was always open, and she fed and “loved on” everyone who walked in. In her spare time, she took in ironings, made quilts by hand, and prepared meals, breads, pies, and gallons of iced tea for others.

A devoted member of Palm Vista Church of God, she had a ministry in her own home, where she nourished elderly widows and friends with her food, warmth and wisdom. She had a gift of healing the brokenhearted and inspiring the discouraged with her endless optimism, and was a mother to so many. She was truly the embodiment of Christ’s love on earth. 

She was previously married to the late Robert Lee Hale of Pikeville. At the time of her death she was a widow to William E. “Bill” Richardson, Jr. She was also preceded in death by her brothers Benton, Bernice, Lucille “Hanner,” and Burton “Bucky” Haston; and her nephew and niece Robert E. “Bobby” Hale and Mary B. Evans. 

Survivors include her son Jerry Lee Hale, resident of Miami, Florida; her daughter Suzanne Smith, resident of Port St. Lucie, Florida; her granddaughters, Denise Hale Radebaugh Eckermann, Jennifer Hale Gallardo, Christina Hale Chowdhary, Jadelyn Smith Murray, Lacy Smith, Cheyenne Smith; eight great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. 

Her memorial service was officiated by Reverend Harris on May 29 at Palm Vista Church of God in Ft. Pierce, Florida. 

Online condolences can be placed at: http://www.haisleyfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Ruth-Richardson2/

Arrangements were made by Haisley Funeral and Cremation Service in Ft. Pierce, Florida.