Charlene Richards, age 62 of Mansfield, Ohio passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at her home surrounded by her loving family.
Charlene was born on July 2, 1963, in Orange County, California, to the late Charles Moats and Gloria (Senec) Moats. She had been a Shelby resident for over 30 years. She earned her LPN through North Central State College in Mansfield in 2007. She went on to work as a nurse with TLC Home Health Care for many years before retiring in 2018. Her decision to pursue nursing came from a deeply personal place. Her son Kyle was born with a medical condition that required 24-hour care, and she devoted her life to learning how to best care for him. For 33 years, she lovingly and faithfully tended to Kyle’s needs, showing extraordinary dedication, compassion, and strength as both a mother and a nurse.
Charlene had a love for many simple joys in life. She especially enjoyed spending time outdoors, often going fishing whenever she had the chance. Charlene also had an incredible green thumb and took great pride in planting a variety of plants around her home, including a lush vegetable garden. She used her garden to help provide for her family, preparing and baking wonderful homemade meals that brought everyone together for cherished gatherings. Charlene also enjoyed thrift shopping, always on the lookout for a good deal or a unique treasure that caught her eye. She had a deep love for animals, especially her dogs.
She lived a life guided by a deep and unwavering faith. Spending each day with her devotionals, and reflection as she read scripture and strengthened her relationship with God. Her faith was not only something she practiced personally, but something she lovingly shared with her children.
She held a special place in her heart for children and found great joy in helping them learn about faith, kindness, and compassion. Charlene believed strongly in planting seeds of love and faith in young hearts, often sharing encouraging words, lessons, and guidance with the children around her. One of the greatest examples of her selfless heart was her dedication to fostering numerous children over the years. Charlene opened her home and her life to those in need, providing not only shelter but also love, stability, and encouragement. To many, she became a guiding presence and a source of comfort during important moments in their lives.
Above all else, family meant everything to Charlene. She treasured her grandchildren and truly lived for the moments she could spend with them. Whether they were playing games-like her favorite, Yahtzee-or making crafts together, the time they shared as a family was always meaningful to her. Charlene’s love for her family was as big as her heart. Her genuinely thoughtful and caring spirit will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know her.
Those who will cherish her memories include her beloved husband, James Richards, whom she married on January 3, 2005; five children, Aaron (Tracy) Gangi of Akron, Ohio; Kimberly Gangi of Mansfield, Ohio Josh Gangi of Ashland, Ohio, Houston Richards of Mansfield, Ohio, and Jordan Richards of Mansfield, Ohio; 15 grandchildren, Giovanni, Alisandra, Adriana, Ilario, Griffin, Bridgette, Sophia, Milena, Savannah, Alice, Anabella, Natalya, Dominic, Jadyn, and Audrey; and two siblings, Julie (Mark) Haggith and Charles Moats Jr. both of Lebanon, Missouri.
In addition to her parents, Charlene was preceded in death by her dear son, Kyle Gangi in 2018.
Friends may visit the family at Barkdull Funeral Home & Crematory on Saturday, March 14, 2026 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. A private family funeral service will be held.
Memorial contributions may be given in Charlene’s memory to Richland County Dog Warden & Adoption Center at 810 N. Home Rd. Mansfield, Ohio 44903.
Memories and condolences can be shared online at www.barkdullfuneralhome.com.
Funeral Home: Barkdull Funeral Home & Crematory
Website: www.barkdullfuneralhome.com