Richards ‘really cared’ about community, family
Lyon Co. resident was longtime supporter of fair
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MARSHALL -- Deloris Richards found lots of ways to give back to her local community. That included many years of service helping organize the Lyon County Fair.
"She looked forward to the fair," said Lyon County Fair Board President Mark Sleiter. "Her whole summer was devoted to it."
As fair board secretary, Richards brought a wealth of experience and knowledge to the role, Sleiter said.
Deloris Richards died Friday at the Sunrise Manor Nursing Home in Tyler. She was 86. Both Deloris and her husband Dick Richards were active community volunteers for many years, including with events like the Lyon County Fair and the Salvation Army red kettle campaign. Dick Richards died Aug. 24, 2025, at the age of 86.
Deloris was born in Sodus Township, near Marshall, and grew up in Lyon County. She graduated from Lynd High School in 1958. In 1960, she and Dick were married. The couple lived in Marshall until they moved to a farm outside town in 1970. Together they raised two sons, Bob and Tom Richards.
Deloris worked for more than 20 years as an administrative assistance with the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service (ASCS). But she was also passionate about her family, and about volunteering in the community, said her son Bob Richards.
"I think she just liked helping people," Bob said.
Deloris baked for her church, was involved with Meals on Wheels and with the annual red kettle campaign for the Salvation Army. She and Dick were also part of the Big Buddies program, Bob said.
"She was a loving person to a lot of people," he said. "She really cared about her family."
The Richards family's love of horses was a big part of their life, Bob Richards said. Together, Dick and Deloris managed quarter horse shows in Windom, he said. The Richards were later inducted into the Minnesota Quarter Horse Association Hall of Fame.
Bob Richards said his parents were also active in Saddle Club and the Southwest Trail Riders.
Over the course of many years, the Richards family also worked to help organize the Lyon County Fair, Sleiter said. Neither Sleiter nor Bob Richards knew exactly how long Dick and Deloris were involved with the fair, but it was a long time, they said.
"I know it's been more than 50 years that they were in some form or another part of the fair," Bob Richards said.
He believed his parents originally got involved with the horse show at the fair, with his dad serving as horse superintendent. Dick would go on to serve on the fair board and was one of the people who helped bring rodeo to the fair. Deloris served many years as fair secretary.
Bob Richards said his mother also liked working with organizations like Advance and the Southwestern Center for Independent Living, to be able to bring people with disabilities out to enjoy the fair.
"She will be missed," Sleiter said.
Both Dick and Deloris Richards were honored for their service with a plaque presented to Bob Richards during the rodeo at the Lyon County Fair, Sleiter said.
Services for Deloris Richards will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Grace Life Church in Marshall. Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday at the church and will continue one hour prior to services on Wednesday.