Barbara Ann Josten Richards, age 82, of The Plains passed away at Hickory Creek Nursing Center in The Plains on July 13, 2019 following a brief illness.

Barbara was born in Glouster, Ohio on November 13, 1936. She was the daughter of the late George B. Mason and Frances Ginn Mason. Barbara was a graduate of The Plains High School, class of 1954 and was the class valedictorian.

Barbara then worked at Ohio University, Athens for 33 years retiring in 1986. She worked in Mail Services where the last 15 years she was the supervisor.  Barbara loved flower gardening and was a loving mother and grandmother.

Barbara is survived by her husband, James F. Richards of The Plains; her daughter, Heather (Gilbert) Figueroa of Athens; two grandchildren, Daniel Figueroa and Jonathan Figueroa of Athens; a sister, Mary F. Michael of The Plains, and two nieces.

The family would like to give special thanks to Hickory Creek of Athens for their wonderful care and dedicated staff.

Funeral service will be conducted Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at Jagers & Sons Funeral Home, Athens with burial will be in Alexander Cemetery.  Friends may call Tuesday 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home.  Please share a memory, a note of condolence or sign the online register book at www.jagersfuneralhome.com.