Linda “Diane” Richards, age 63, was born April 1, 1960 in Lincoln, NE to Milburne “Mick” and Donna Jean (Farrar) Helberg and went home to be with the Lord on March 4, 2024 at McCook Community Hospital in McCook NE.
Diane acquired the nickname “Slugger” from her dad as a child. She attended Hayes Center Public School through second grade and then the family moved to Hamlet and attended Wauneta Public Schools graduating in 1978. Slugger was very active in FFA, 4-H, Sports, and various activities. She ran on the 440-yard relay team that held the school record for many years. Rodeo, horses, and photography were an important part of her life along with her dogs: Sparkles, Shep, Jack, and Ace. After graduating, Diane worked at the Hayes County Extension office for many years where she kept very busy with the daily office challenges, livestock judging contests, and county and state fair entries along with many other 4-H activities. She married the love of her life, Terry Richards of Hayes Center, January 11, 1992, at Hamlet Union Church in Hamlet, NE. Terry and Diane enjoyed farm and ranch life and traveling to Amy Grant concerts, state fairs, National Rodeo Finals, and many stock shows.
Diane is survived by her husband, Terry Richards of Hayes Center; father, Mick Helberg of Hamlet; siblings: James (Christine) Helberg and Cindy (Randy) Acton of Wauneta; sisters-in-law, Sherry (Don) Purvis of Kearney and Kerry (Tom) Thompson of Omaha; brother-in-law, Barry (Marian) Richards of Hayes Center; nieces and nephews: Tyler (Leane) Acton, Dustin Acton, Dustin Mintling, Devon Helberg, Lindsay Acton, Darcie (Luke) Weiss, Dani (Jayson) Eggleston, Derek (Alicia) Richards, Zac (Cayla) Richards, Beau Richards (Darien Adams), Joelle (Tyler) Scherr, Ryan Thompson (Jessica Stockman); great-nieces and nephews: Sydnee, Aden, and Emma Acton, Matthew and Maxine Nelson, Michael and Makenzie Weiss, Addison and Harper Richards, Aubree, Adrianna, Beckham Richards and Liam Townsley, Cienna Vogt and Korban Richards.
Diane was preceded in death by her grandparents, Wilbert and Irene Helberg and Howard and Agnes Farrar; mother, Jean Helberg; father-in-law, Harold Richards; mother-in-law, Delores Richards; and great-nephew, Colton Eggleston.
Visitation will be held from 3-5PM on Sunday, March 10, 2024 at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook.
Funeral services are scheduled for 11AM on Monday morning, March 11, 2024 at the Hamlet Union Church with Chaplain Tyler Thiessen officiating. Burial in the Meadow Lawn Cemetery of Hamlet will follow services.
Memorials are suggested to the family of Diane Richards for future designation. Online condolences may be left at herrmannfh.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel of McCook.