Carol Schmidt Richey

Carol Schmidt Richey, 91, of Amarillo, TX, peacefully entered her eternal rest surrounded by her three daughters on Saturday, November 23, 2024 shortly before sunrise.

Services will be at 2:00 P.M., Tuesday, November 26, 2024, in the Boxwell Brothers Ivy Chapel with Pastor Billy Nickell officiating. Burial will follow at Llano Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M., Monday, November 25, 2024, at Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd. 

Carol was born on September 29, 1933 in the town of Newark, New Jersey to Rev. Carl E. and Anna K. Schmidt. She was the youngest of two girls. Her early years found her being frequently uprooted due to her parents being missionaries and pastoring various churches.

She attended High School at Versailles, Hartford, and Waxahachie, Tx. She was a graduate of Southwestern Junior College in Waxahachie, TX, where she majored in Education. During this time, she worked at Southwestern Bell Telephone Company in Dallas as a switchboard operator, and upon graduating Carol moved back to Kentucky and taught at Pleasant Ridge School for several years. 

 She had many young gentlemen pursuing her in her college days; however, one man caught her eye and her heart at a chance meeting at a tent revival in Kentucky, followed by the “infamous” game of miniature golf. After a brief courtship, he asked for her hand in marriage and they were married on June 7, 1957, and for 66 years they celebrated a wonderful life together. Together with her husband and three young children they relocated to Amarillo, Texas and completed their family with their fourth child, a baby girl and began to live out the next chapter of their lives. During these 66 years, Carol and Howard raised four children, then came along nine grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

Carol took great pleasure in being a mother and devoted wife to her husband. She was a true homemaker using her excellent skills in both cooking and sewing (even Barbie doll clothes) Alongside her husband she helped operate and grow a successful business, Steamway of Amarillo, of nearly 40 years. She quickly became known as a businesswoman through her excellent business skills, managing the office, as well as many invitations for speaking engagements. Upon retiring, she and Howard enjoyed numerous cruises with dear friends, traveling in the motorhome with their beloved chihuahuas, taking up needlepoint, and spending time with their kids and grandkids. 

Carol was musically talented at playing both the piano and organ and played for many years in church. Through the years she faithfully served in her church in various capacities. She also served alongside her husband with Meals on Wheels for 16 years. She never missed the chance to help someone in need, especially those who found themselves alone. 

Carol is preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Anna Schmidt, her sister Virginia Davis, beloved husband, Howard Lee Richey of 66 years, and son, Barry Lee Richey.

 She is survived by three daughters, Joy Faith Terrazas (Rocky) of Plano, Texas, Melody Ann Willis (Eddie) of Amarillo, Texas and Gay Ruth Richey of Amarillo, Texas; as well as grandchildren, Matthew Richey, Andrew Richey, Christopher Richey, Kevin Willis, Stephen Willis, Kimberly Eales, Andrea Garrison, Seth Garrison and Corbin Garrison; along with great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Richey, Ransom Richey, Anna Richey, Denton Willis, and Tinlee Willis.

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