Ronald Lee Richards, known to most as Dusty Richards, went to be with the Lord on January 18, 2018. He was born November 11, 1937 in Chicago, Illinois to John and Jean Hogenbirk Richards.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Jean and John Richards and his wife, Patricia Richards.
He was raised Methodist. Ronald “Dusty” married Patricia Donahoe on June 5, 1961 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Fayetteville, AR. He lived in Springdale, AR in the Sonora Community.
Dusty is survived by daughters, Anna Barnes and husband, Bryan of Siloam Springs and Rhonda Albrecht and husband, Wolfgang of Fayetteville, AR; a brother, Jim Richards of Rogers, AR; a sister, Sandy Lundy and husband, Bob of Cannon Beach, Oregon; grandchildren, Jessica (Barnes) Smith and husband, Derek, Montana Barnes and wife, Ashley, Courtney (Albrecht) Watson and husband, Shane and Erich Albrecht; great-grandchildren, Trypp and Mya Stephenson, Cayden and Wyatt Barnes, Cheyenne and Paisley (Sweetpea) Watson and Kalie and Kambry Smith; brother-in-laws, Dennis Donahoe of Hindsville AR. and Michael Donahoe and wife, Joyce of Lincoln, AR; sister-in-laws, Karen Beebe of Lincoln, AR and Rita Walker and husband, John Clark of Berryville, VA; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, January 24, 2018 at Beard’s Chapel with Chaplain Charlie Brown officiating. Interment will follow in Sonora Cemetery under the direction of Beard’s Chapel.
The family will receive friends from 5-7 P.M. Tuesday, January 23, 2018 at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Washington Regional Friends of Hospice, c/o Washington Regional Foundation, 325 E. Longview St., Fayetteville, AR 72703-4618 or the Springdale Benevolent Foundation Scholarship, (479) 756-0464/Rick Culver, www.rodeooftheozarks.org, P.O. Box 1909, Springdale, AR 72765.
My heart is heavy once again to hear of Dusty passing. Words cannot convey the pain I know his and Pat children and grandchildren and siblings are going through. So so sorry. Dusty was my class sponsor from Huntsville High School. Rita, Pat sister was a classmate and I remember their courtship and marriage. Beautiful couple. Prayers for comfort, peace during this great loss.
The cowboy is with his lady! What a wonderful life Pat and Dusty had in this world! Now they will be together for eternity. May God’s grace give you kids a wonderful peace.
Dusty is with Pat again, so I know he’s happy, but we’re all sad. Prayers go out to his entire family.
His smile, cowboy gait, and stories will truly be missed by his Western Writers of America family. I served as his VP when he was WWA’s president and his actions showed just how much he loved our organization. Dusty guided me and gave me space to learn and grow into the presidency when he stepped down. I will always remember when I handed him his spurs when I took over and made a speech about him. He said, “Well, you brought this old cowboy to tears–and that takes a lot kid.” Happy trails Dusty and thank you.
My heart aches for Dusty’s family. I learned so much about writing from Dusty over the course of our 20 year friendship. I hope the family will find comfort in knowing how much Dusty and Pat were loved. They will be missed. Country Blessings of Love and Sympathy
On behalf of my wife, Penelope, as well as Stoney and Cheryl Livingston, we wish to convey our deepest condolences to the family. Dusty was a tremendous talent who leaves behind a rich body of work. Together Dusty and Pat extended the hand of friendship to so many and will be dearly missed when Western writers come together. It is impossible to imagine another Homestead Foundation auction without Dusty behind the microphone. To Dusty and Pat: We always will remember the warm smiles and ready humor. Thank you both for sharing brief moments of your amazing lives with us.
Paul and I offer our deepest condolences. Dusty and Pat traveled with us when Paul worked at Ozarks Electric. They were a lovely couple and always together. We loved them and thought so much of them both. May Heavenly Father comfort you I. The coming days.
Dusty and Pat were special to so many folks. They made everyone feel like a best friend. They were the backbone of the Ozark Creative Writers conference. You knew Dusty would start things off and tie them all up at the end, with an auction in the middle. Pat would watch over his books and chat with folks while he was being sociable or taking care of something. Dusty never knew a stranger. We ate lunch with them a few times at OCW. They were a perfect pair. You know that man wrote his way out of this life with a story that’s now a bestseller in Cowboy Heaven. He will be missed, terribly. Both of them will. Sending healing thoughts and supportive prayers to all the family and friends.
It’s hard to believe we’ve lost two great people within a few days…Dusty and Pat Richards! I’ve known and had many of good conversations with Dusty through the years, mostly about writing. He inspired me to continue to always write as he did so for many others. But most of all I’ll miss Dusty’s story telling and sense of humor. He was always willing to help others accomplish their dreams as a writer. God bless Dusty and Pat’s souls and his large family. He’s now telling western tales to God!
The world lost a rarity with Dusty’s passing: a big man with an even bigger heart.
His willingness to help others endeared him to many. Dusty and Pat were, as he would have said, “Good people.” Rest in peace, friend.
I only knew Dusty online, having not had the privilege of shaking his hand. In spite of that, Dusty welcomed me to our mutual western writing group and freely shared his expertise. I’ll miss “seeing” him. My most sincere condolences to his family. I hope you find some comfort in the fact that Dusty is with his Lord.
I am so saddened by this news. I truly have felt blessed getting to know Dusty over all the years. He always had a smile. He encouraged my son to continue to write stories from a young age. I was excited for his book to be turned into a movie and I’m glad he was able to have that experience. We will truly miss him.
We who have lost a parent know the grief but to lose both parents within days of each other is impossible to comprehend. We who knew Dusty & Pat will always miss them & their sweet smiles. Love & deepest sympathy to the family. Cherish the memories!!
Condolences to family and friends. Dusty inspired and directed me in writing. He was my mentor, as he was for many. He will be greatly missed. Prayers to family in this sad time.
My husband and I were honored to meet Dusty in person at the Western Fictioneers convention. His generous soul and big heart definitely enriched everyone who knew him. Our deeoest condolences to his family.
My sympathy to the family. Dusty was my field man when I raised chickens for Tyson and I followed him to his writing. Always had a kind word for everyone and I greatly respected him. He will be missed by everyone who knew him. May you rest in peace.
We have wonderful memories of Dusty from his early days as our field-man for our breeder hen farm, to the last years visiting about his wonderful books. What a great man, a kind man who always had time for a good visit and to share stories. We extend our condolences to your family for this tragic loss of both Patricia and Dusty.
Our hearts go out to the family of Dusty and Pat .
Thoughts and prayers lifted up to you all
Tom and Betty McCawley
I’m saddened with a heavy heart of your (our) loss. Dusty & Pat will truly be missed by at OECA statewide and meetings. I came to know Dusty in the last couple of years and he always made time to talk to me before heading into a meeting. I will treasure the book he had given by husband. A true cowboy and gentleman. I pray peace & comfort in the days ahead for the family & our coop family to find a new normal.
I have the best memories of Dusty from my time in the Springdale Riding Club. He was kind and patient and solid. His books reflect his love of America and horsemanship and I’ve enjoyed reading them over the years. Much love to your family and prayers for peace and comfort in the days ahead.
Rhonda and Anna,
My prayers are with you and your families. I have many memories, but two of my strongest memories of Dusty are the numerous junior rodeos (he taught me how to wind up a long extension cord) and the Bicentennial Wagon Train. These last few weeks have been overwhelmingly difficult for you. May you find peace and solace in the days to come.
Lisa
Dusty, you will be missed by many. Your legacy is a great one and will live on in our hearts. Bless all that you have been and have accomplished.
Anna, Ronda and families, my thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very difficult time. Dusty was a major supporter when we were helping the FFA organize their rodeo plans years ago. He contributed a lot of his time and announcing toward the youth and he was a pleasure to work with. His talents as a author are enjoyed across the nation and he will be missed by many who have known him over the years.
Peace and blessings in the days to come.
Dusty sure left quite a legacy, a very talented man who we all respected. Through the OAEC board, I was introduced to him and his wife. Gayle and I send our condolences to family, for we know they will be missed greatly.
I was blessed to know Dusty and Pat through their service and dedication to the membership of Ozarks Electric. Both of them will be greatly missed. My most sincere condolences to the family.
You don’t know me, but Dusty called me his friend from Winters, Texas. That’s where I live. I attended his classes every chance I got. I first met him in Beaumont Texas I guess in the 80s at a writers conference and we have talked much in the past. I had put in a call right before Christmas and I suppose things had already happened by then. It is with a heavy heart that I say I will miss our conversations. I loved both Dusty and Pat. She was a sweet lady who never minded sharing her husband with the rest of the writers he knew. I treasured their friendship for sure.
Dusty was a caring father,husband and grandfather to his family. He was always helpful towards others and loved all. He had a lot of insight about life and was always ready to help out or offer support whenever he was needed. When you met him,he always made you feel welcomed by him. We enjoyed visiting with him and his wife at family gatherings. We’re sure he and his sweet wife are in God’s eternal loving embrace, being shown the best fishing holes. God Bless the family in this sad time for them.
Friends of the family, we never got to meet Dusty. But we have heard so many stories about him and his life from his sister Sandi Lundy. All of which means that we recognize his many gifts and talents and can see that his loss is a serious one to the family and the community.
Light and love to all who grieve.
On behalf of Sonora Trail Blazers, Lonnie and Barbra Horn we would like to wish our heart felt condolences to your family in the loss of your family members. First Pat and now Dusty. They will never be another pair like them. We wish we could be there to share with you in person but we as well have lost a family member way to soon. May God be give you peace in the these times.
Sending prayers during this difficult time. Dusty will be greatly missed.
What a wonderful legacy Dusty and Pat left. They touched so many people in a positive way. They were both always there for people, and you knew you could always count on them for encouragement, support, and guidance. They made the world a better place. May God bless.
For years we always looked forward to seeing Dusty at rodeos and parades.
I also enjoy his books. We will miss him.
We will truly miss him and Pat. Sending prayers to all
We will miss Dusty at the rodeos and parades. He has been apart of our lives for so many years. I love his books also. We are praying for you all.
To Dusty and Pat’s daughters and families. I did not know that your parents have passed away! I still have the last e-mails I sent to your father in January. He and I had been conversing about his upcoming books for this year. When he didn’t answer the January e-mails, I sent a couple in Feb regarding the O’Malley series. No response and I thought maybe he had changed his e-mail address and even had my husband send a e-mail for me. Now, I know why he did not answer and it breaks my heart. Through the years I felt a real friendship with Dusty and at the end he and I were writing about my family and he about Pat and his precious daughters. I am so very very sorry to have picked up a OEC newspaper tonight and was flipping through it and there was Dusty’s picture. I am going to cut your dad’s picture out and put it with his collection of books I have secured and hold dearly to my heart. I was born on a ranch, rodeoed, and Dusty and I knew a lot of the same rodeo people and enjoyed typing about them to each other.
I hope sometime in the future after you can come to the realization that your parents are gone, you will carry on with the production of your father’s wonderful books. He was proud of his accomplishments in life. His family, his friends, and, his creation of his wonderful books.
Hopefully someday I can meet with you all, as your dad had planned to be in Oklahoma City, along with Pat, and we were going to meet up and have dinner, so that we could finally meet face-to-face. It was wonderful to know that someone as famous as he would accept a dinner invitation with me and my family so that we could know who we were sharing e-mails with.
I will close now, but from more than a reader of your dad’s precious books, his sharing some of his family life regarding his wife Pat, his to girls and grandchildren stories, I now know that I have lost someone very dear to my life and when I say my prayers at night I will pray for Dusty and Pat and include that someday I will finally get the opportunity to meet and have dinner up in heaven with my e-mail friends. God Bless all of you. I am so very sorry. He was awesome to type to, read his words, and feel a sense of a new friend in my life.