Grace L. (Richardson) Cella

GRACE LEA (Richardson) CELLA

Grace Lea (Richardson) Cella was born October 2, 1941 in Pleasant Hill, Missouri and departed this life on May 17, 2024 at Ignite Medical Resort St. Mary’s in Blue Springs, Missouri, surrounded by the love of her family, at the age of 82 years, 7 months and 15 days.

She was the daughter of Donald Lee and Olive Grace (Hays) Richardson.

The Richardson family moved to Kansas City, Missouri when Grace was a young child. She attended school and graduated from North Kansas City High School. Grace furthered her education at Longview Community College, then transferred to Avila College where she obtained her Bachelor of Business Administration Degree. After receiving her bachelor’s degree, Grace continued to take courses, working towards her Master’s Degree.

On June 12, 1971, Grace was united in marriage with Paul Leroy Cella in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, where they made their home.

From 1970 to 1976, Grace owned and operated Richardson’s Dress Shop in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. Later, she went to work at Marion Laboratories where she worked for over 20 years, retiring as a quality control manager. After Grace and Paul retired, they sold their home and traveled extensively throughout the United States. They spent time in Arizona and Florida where they served as campground hosts at their favorite RV Parks. After several years of traveling, Grace and Paul returned to Missouri and made their home in Blue Springs. Mr. Cella passed away on September 21, 2021 and Grace continued to live in Blue Springs until 2 years ago when she moved to Glendale at the Mansions in Independence, Missouri.

Grace was a loving and dedicated wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was completely devoted to her family and enjoyed spending time with them and being involved in their lives.

In addition to her husband, Paul, Grace was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Olive Grace Richardson; one son, Russell Lee Barker and two grandchildren.

She is survived by three sons, Paul Alan Barker of Independence, Missouri, Larry Dale Barker and husband Doug Ross of Kansas City, Missouri and Robert J. Thibault and wife Kim of Blue Springs, Missouri; one daughter, Carla Sue Thomas and husband Danny of Urbana, Missouri; eleven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, other relatives and many friends.

A graveside service and inurnment for Grace Lea (Richardson) Cella will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 4, 2024 at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Pleasant Hill, Missouri, with Rev. Tim Casteel officiating.